Reggae artist says NYC man slashed him with sword

[October 05, 2009]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Jamaican reggae artist Major Mackerel says he's been slashed in the head, arm and hand by a New York City man wielding a 2-foot sword.

Police say one of the musician's Brooklyn neighbors was arrested and the sword was recovered Sunday morning.

Major Mackerel was hospitalized for several hours. He left the hospital with bandages crowning his dreadlocks and wrapped around his left hand, wrist and elbow.

Major Mackerel has released several albums. His real name is Garfield Dixon.

His girlfriend, Novia Watson, says the neighbor said he was angry because the reggae artist was harassing his wife. But Watson says the artist never messed with her.

Major Mackerel also denies harassing the woman. His neighbor faces charges including assault with intent to cause serious injury with a weapon.

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Information from: Daily News, http://www.nydailynews.com/

[Associated Press]

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