Three men face felony charges following a violent family dispute on New Year’s Eve in Schuylkill County.
Police in Pottsville say an argument over alcohol escalated into an assault involving broken bottles. The investigation took a further turn when hospital staff reportedly discovered a loaded handgun concealed on the victim while treating his injuries.
Jose Antonio Perez, 49, and his son, Antonio Jose Perez, 23, have been charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, and harassment. The alleged victim, Wilson Caraballo, 23, was also charged with felony firearms offenses after police say a security guard found a handgun in his sock.
All three men are from Allentown but were in Pottsville to celebrate the New Year holiday.
According to court documents, police were dispatched to the area of E. Norwegian St. and Route 61 shortly after ringing in the new year for a reported assault.
Officers arrived to find Caraballo bleeding heavily from the head and face. Before being transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital for treatment, Caraballo told police he had been at a party at his brother’s house when he was attacked by family members, specifically identifying his uncle, Jose Perez, and his cousin, Antonio Perez.
Caraballo suffered a traumatic head injury, facial lacerations, and a broken nose, police say.
The Assault Investigation
While at the scene, Caraballo gestured toward a white Mitsubishi sedan turning southbound on Route 61, telling officers, “There they go right there.”
Police stopped the vehicle and detained two occupants, identified as Antonio Jose Perez and a passenger. Antonio Perez had “significant blood spatter” on his glasses, coat, ear, scalp, and hands, police say. They also noted that his hands lacked the bruising or scratches consistent with a fistfight.
In an interview with police, Antonio Perez allegedly said the group had been at a New Year’s Eve party at a residence on the 500 block of E. Market St. He claimed Caraballo became “overly intoxicated” and argued with the family over the ownership of a bottle of alcohol.
Antonio Perez alleged the argument turned physical and the two exchanged punches, claiming Caraballo was not bleeding when he left the residence.
The passenger told police that Caraballo began arguing with the Perez family over a bottle of alcohol and the argument escalated. The witness stated they helped clean up the kitchen after the fight.
Police went to the E. Market St. home and spoke with a resident, who allowed officers to view the scene. Inside, police found drops of blood in the kitchen and discovered a smashed Corona beer bottle and a broken blender pitcher with blood smears in the garbage can.
In a follow-up interview with Caraballo later on New Year’s Day., he allegedly provided further details, saying that as he and Antonio Perez began pushing each other, Jose Perez yelled, “Don’t put hands on my son.”
Caraballo stated that Jose Perez then attacked him, striking him with “some type of bottle.”
Caraballo also alleged that a woman entered the room and struck him over the head with a bottle of Don Julio tequila. He described being beaten repeatedly with bottles before escaping.
Firearm Charges Filed Against Victim
While investigating the assault earlier in the day, police were dispatched to the hospital regarding a firearm discovered on Caraballo.
A hospital security officer told police they found a Ruger RXM 9mm handgun and three rounds of ammunition inside Caraballo’s right sock while he was being prepared for a CAT scan. The security officer removed the weapon and turned it over to authorities.
Police say a records check revealed Caraballo had two outstanding warrants for his arrest: a bench warrant from Lehigh County for failure to appear, and an arrest warrant from the North Catasauqua Police Department for a felony charge related to a false written statement regarding a firearm purchase.
Police determined Caraballo is a fugitive from justice and does not possess a concealed carry permit.
Antonio Perez was arraigned on his charges before Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarentelli, who set bail at $25,000. Court records show he posted bond the following day.
Jose Perez has not yet been arraigned, according to court records.
Caraballo was arraigned Wednesday morning before Judge James Reiley on two felony gun charges. Reiley set bail at $25,000 and remanded Caraballo to Schuylkill County Prison.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...