Timothy Manuel Morales Sr., 49, of Coaldale, has been charged with felony 2 aggravated assault, and misdemeanor counts of simple assault, simple assault physical menace and persistent disorderly conduct - engage in fight.

On July 26 at 2:37 a.m. police were dispatched to the area of Greenwood and Cedar streets for two people who were assaulted. On scene police spoke with a woman and two men, both who showed signs of being assaulted.

The woman said a man attacked the two male victims after he was told to get off a porch near the location. She said the man came on the porch asking for weed.

The man left but returned and punched the two male victims. She believed the assailant had something in his hand like brass knuckles due to the extent of injuries to the victims.

A description of the man was given and the victims said they observed him walking down Cedar Street toward the Burger King restaurant. One of the victims was eventually transported to the Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest.

A tip led police to an alley behind the high-rise building at 222 E. Broad St. Officers found Morales and took him into custody. The female witness was brought to the scene and identified Morales as the man who assaulted the two men. Morales claimed he was defending himself and that the two men came after him.

Morales was arraigned before District Judge Stephen Bayer, of Tamaqua. While being arraigned Morales said he had a knife, which he used for work, but when he was detained at the high-rise no knife was found on him.

Bail was set at $25,000 straight cash. Records indicate Morales is an inmate in the county prison in Pottsville.