A murder suspect out of jail on bond was arrested Monday after police say he assaulted a neighbor with a metal pipe.

Eric Eugene Johnson, 29, of 514 Roanoke Ave., Elizabeth City, was charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury after police say he struck a neighbor across the head with a pipe about 12:15 a.m. Monday,

According to Elizabeth City Police Lt. John Etheridge, the assault left Cleophus Snowden Jr., 34, of 514 Roanoke Avenue, with a 2-inch cut on his forehead.

Snowden also suffered temporary paralysis on his left side, but appears to be in a stable condition at Albemarle Hospital, Etheridge said.

Police do not know why Johnson struck Snowden, Etheridge said.

However, the victim is believed to have argued with his wife prior to the incident. The argument apparently happened down the road from where both men reside in an apartment building, police said.

Johnson told police that he heard an argument and what sounded like someone in the next room being thrown against a wall. At some point he decided to get involved in the altercation, Etheridge said.

Johnson was charged in December 2006 with the shooting death of Antonio D. Sutton, 17, three months after the Elizabeth City teenager was shot once in the neck about 3 a.m. near the Elks Lodge at 708 Herrington Road.

Johnson was arrested in Greensboro. He was held at Albemarle District Jail until May when Senior Resident Superior Court Judge J. Richard Parker reduced his bond to $75,000.

Johnson's bond had been set at $150,000 at a prior court session.

Johnson was able to secure his release with the lower bond.

In a motion for bond in January, Johnson's attorney told the court that her client, who had been held since Dec. 17, 2006, would not attempt to leave the area if commanded by the court not to do so.

Johnson's murder trial has been continued until Nov. 11. At his last court hearing he rejected the state's offer of a plea agreement.

Johnson was being held Monday at ADJ in lieu of a $100,000 secured bond.