Four charged for brutal assault on New Phila man
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Aug. 29, 2024) – The victim of a violent, alcohol-fueled attack last week is continuing to recover from his injuries.
Police say the man was acquainted with one of the alleged assailants, who had been drinking at a local establishment with the other three. After several hours, they reportedly traveled to the man’s home, knocked on the door, and started assaulting him, before fleeing in two trucks.
“This is grown people under the influence of alcohol making very, very poor choices,” said Detective Captain Ty Norris.
The victim’s wife called 911 following the attack in the 600 block of Fair Avenue NW last Tuesday afternoon. He was taken to Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital with what Norris describes as significant injuries including a partially detached ear that had to be sutured back in place.
“He has multiple facial fractures that are going to require surgery here within the very near future. He had multiple lumps, bumps, abrasions on his face, head, neck area.”
Surveillance video and witness interviews led them to the suspects, who all work for the same energy services company.
“Through investigative means – through our own processes here – we were able to start connecting dots with other people. We did photo lineups that were presented to the victim and his wife. They were then able to identify people in those photo lineups.
The police department sent out a press release Thursday identifying the alleged attackers as Christopher Beatty, 35, and Henry Wellman, 25, both of New Philadelphia; Jared Soltero, 36, of Minerva; and Todd Riordan, 38, of Massillon. All are facing preliminary counts of aggravated and felonious assault with additional charges possible through the grand jury.