According to city police, officers were dispatched around 7:54 p.m. on February 7, 2026, to the 700 block of West Market Street in Pottsville after receiving a report of a woman screaming for help.
Upon arrival, officers located a female in the vestibule of 718 West Market Street as she exited an apartment. Police reported the woman was visibly upset and had significant redness and swelling to both eyes, with the left eye appearing worse.
The victim told officers she had been involved in an argument with Shawn Cicero, 31, of Pottsville, after Cicero allegedly did not want her to visit friends. Police say the argument escalated, and Cicero allegedly took a bottle of pepper spray from the victim’s keychain and sprayed her in the face before fleeing the apartment on foot in an unknown direction.
While officers were speaking with the victim, Cicero reportedly returned to the scene carrying a half-gallon of milk. Police said Cicero told them the milk was intended to help relieve the effects of the pepper spray on the victim’s eyes.
Cicero was taken into custody without further incident. During a search incident to arrest, police recovered a pink bottle of pepper spray, one hypodermic needle, and a glass smoking device containing burnt residue. Officers noted that, based on their training and experience, the needle and glass device are commonly associated with the use of illegal drugs.
As a result of the investigation, Cicero was charged with simple assault under Pennsylvania’s Domestic Violence Act, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possessing instruments of crime.
Cicero was arraigned before on-call Magisterial District Judge Lengel, who set bail at $10,000 straight cash. Cicero was remanded to the custody of the Schuylkill County Prison.