After an investigation that spanned nearly 10 months, Cape Girardeau police have made an arrest in an assault that took place in September.

Marzel Davis, 50, of 514 S. Middle St., Apt. B, was arrested Thursday and faces one count of first degree assault.

According to a probable-cause statement by detective Keith Green, police were called Sept. 15 to investigate a claim by a patient in the emergency room at Saint Francis Medical Center.

The victim said he'd been in a Cairo, Ill., housing project and some teenagers had thrown a chemical substance in his face.

He suffered severe burns to his face and left eye.

Another Cape Girardeau officer remembered taking a report earlier in the evening from another individual who described a nearly identical attack, but said it occurred at Don's Store 24 on Sprigg Street.

During an Oct. 18 interview, the victim told a different story, saying he wanted to come clean about what had happened.

He described meeting with the other man who had been injured earlier that night and said the man had gotten into an argument with someone, the statement said.

The two men drove to a Cape Girardeau residence and went in. A few minutes later, a man later identified as Davis walked in and threw the contents of a blue plastic cup onto them, the statement said.

A fight allegedly ensued, and eventually both victims sought medical attention.

The victim later told police the suspect had a nickname of "Bingo-Bango," and other officers were able to identify him.

Davis was arrested Thursday and processed at the city jail before being transported to Cape Girardeau County Jail, where he remains on $100,000 cash or surety bond.

Since the incident, the victim has since had his left eye removed, the statement said.

bdicosmo@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245