Police say a Hempstead father dangled his 10-month-old daughter from a second-floor landing Tuesday night and threatened to kill her.

According to police, 26-year-old Samuel Jose Salvador forced his way into the apartment of the child's mother and ripped the baby from her arms. When the mother attempted to fight back, Salvador produced a knife and attempted to stab her, police say.

Investigators say he then cut the baby girl, causing a superficial four-inch laceration on her cheek.

The mother of the child, who has an order of protection against Salvador, says he dangled the 10-month-old over a stairwell until her friend took the baby from his hands.

Salvador, deported last year for being in the U.S. illegally, was charged with assault and kidnapping. Police tell News 12 Long Island that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is investigating and expects Salvador will be deported again.

The baby is expected to be OK.