According to court documents, Schuylkill Haven Police were dispatched around 12:32 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, to the 500 block of North Garfield Avenue in Schuylkill Haven for a report of a fight in progress.
When officers arrived, they spoke with a man who reported he had been assaulted by Joshua King, 40, of Schuylkill Haven. The victim told police he was walking down the sidewalk when King approached him and began punching him.
Police said the victim had visible injuries, including severe swelling to his left cheek and eye area, a cut and swelling above his right eye, and blood covering his nose and mouth. Officers noted he appeared disoriented and possibly intoxicated. He was transported by EMS for treatment.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, the victim told police the incident began after King’s family members contacted him to help comfort King, who had reportedly been upset. The victim said he attempted to calm King down, but King became angry and allegedly attacked him.
Police said the victim told investigators he did not fight back and was only trying to defend himself. He alleged King continued punching him multiple times while he begged him to stop.
A witness told police that King and the victim had been arguing earlier in the evening and that King was upset over accusations involving the victim and King’s family. The witness said the argument continued until the two men went toward a bathroom, where the witness later heard a struggle.
Investigators said surveillance footage from the area showed the two men arguing before the assault. According to police, the video showed King strike the victim repeatedly before the victim was able to get away.
Police said the victim later tried to return to King’s residence, but another altercation occurred outside near a parked vehicle. The affidavit states that additional surveillance video showed King continuing to strike the victim.
King was taken into custody and charged with felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor simple assault.
He was arraigned on July 7, 2026, before on-call Magisterial District Judge James Reiley, who set bail at $20,000 monetary. King was unable to post bail and was committed to Schuylkill County Prison. A preliminary hearing is scheduled before Magisterial District Judge Casimir T. Kosciolek for July 14, 2026.