A West Hempstead man who police said beat an acquaintance to death after an argument was arraigned Friday on a murder charge.

Bruny E. Fenelon, 30, pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder at his arraignment in First District Court in Hempstead. He was held without bail.

Police said Fenelon was hanging out and drinking with Michael Rambaran, 39, also of West Hempstead, at a loading dock of a chain store at 111 Hempstead Tpke. in West Hempstead on Thursday night.

The men argued about something, police said, but it's not known who threw the first punch. There were witnesses, but no one interceded, police said. A passerby who saw the fight called 911, and police showed up shortly after 9 p.m.

"The argument escalated into a physical altercation and when the victim fell to the ground, the defendant began to viciously punch, kick and stomp him in the face, neck and head, causing his death," said Insp. Kenneth Lack, a spokesman for the Nassau County Police Department.

No weapon was used in the deadly assault, Lack said.

Rambaran is from Guyana, Lack said, and authorities were trying to notify his family Friday.

After the assault, police said, Fenelon fled on foot and was later arrested at his home. Fenelon was previously convicted of stealing a bicycle after pushing the rider off the bike. Fenelon is due back in court Tuesday.