Three plead in assault stemming from victim hitting girlfriend

NEWTON FALLS — Three Newton Falls men pleaded innocent in Newton Falls Municipal Court to charges related to the assault of a Warren man around 11:45 p.m. Wednesday in the 600 Block of North Canal Street.

The victim, Tracy L. Mathews, 20, was treated by Newton Falls Joint Fire District personnel before being flown by medical helicopter to Akron General Hospital. His condition was unknown Thursday night.

Those charged are Joshua J. Heilman, 21, felonious assault; Raymond S. Parrish, 21, felonious assault and falsification, and Keith A. Watson Jr., 20, aggravated vehicular assault.

Newton Falls Police Chief John Kuivila said witnesses reported that several males were beating up on one male, and that three of the males left the scene in a red Chevrolet. Police located the vehicle, occupied by Heilman, Parrish and Watson, in the area of Main Street and Warren Road.

Kuivila said it appears the altercation was over Mathews hitting his girlfriend earlier in the evening he was attacked. The chief said the case remains under investigation and additional suspects may be charged and more charges may be filed.