Mexican diplomat hurt during robbery at Houston-area home

A 50-year-old Houston man has been arrested in an attack on a high-ranking Mexican diplomat during an attempted robbery at her Houston-area home.

Arnold Romell Martin is being held on a charge of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon in the attack Monday on Claudia Velasco, the first secretary at the Mexican Consulate, at her house in West University Place.

Police say Martin attacked Velasco with a garden saw, leaving her with cuts to her hand and neck. He was still at the scene when police arrived in response to a 911 call.

Martin was paroled last year after serving a prison term for robbery. He's now back in jail, held without bond pending a court appearance scheduled for Wednesday.

Federal authorities also are investigating the incident.