A Schuylkill County man is accused of assaulting a man outside a New Philadelphia business in October, causing the victim to suffer a fractured orbital bone, a concussion, and chipped teeth.
State Police say Jose Monroy, 36, of Cumbola, struck his victim outside a laundromat on Valley St. in New Philadelphia and fled the scene in a black SUV.
The investigation began in the early morning hours of Oct. 19. At 1:40 a.m., Troopers were dispatched to Mazloom’s Kegs and Eggs for a report of an intoxicated male refusing to leave. A bartender told police the man left prior to their arrival.
Police say they were dispatched back to the bar at 2:58 a.m. after the bartender reported Little had returned and was bleeding from the face.
Upon their return, police arrived to find Little highly intoxicated with a laceration under his left eye, which was swollen shut. Little reportedly told police he had been beaten by two males across the street outside the Wash N Win laundromat.
Police say the victim couldn’t provide any more valuable information at the time due to his level of intoxication.
Little was transported by Schuylkill EMS to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Pottsville. During a follow-up interview on Oct. 20, police say Little reported having no memory of the incident after initially leaving the bar.
Surveillance footage from the laundromat allegedly shows the suspect inside the business playing a Skill Game prior to the incident. The video then reportedly showed the suspect outside punching the victim before fleeing in a black Ford Explorer with black wheels.
Police described the suspect in the video as a Hispanic male with a short black beard, wearing a white “Champion” hoodie, black sweatpants, and a black winter hat.
Using the surveillance images and police records, investigators identified the suspect as Monroy. Police say that records showed Monroy had been stopped in April 2025 while driving the black Ford Explorer they saw in the surveillance video.
On Dec. 7, 2025, troopers attempted to interview Monroy at his residence. Police said Monroy was sitting on his front porch with the Explorer parked directly in front of the home.
When questioned about the assault, Monroy reportedly said he did not recall the incident and expressed concern that the Trooper’s body camera was recording.
Police say Monroy stated he had no intention of incriminating himself and would not provide details without a lawyer present. He provided his identification card to troopers, confirming his identity.
Last week, police filed a misdemeanor charge of simple assault as well as several summary counts of harassment, disorderly conduct, and driving on a DUI-suspended license against Monroy.
A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Feb. 17 before Magisterial District Judge Edward Lewis in Port Carbon.
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