Monroe man facing assault charge

A Monroe County man is facing a charge of simple assault and other counts following an incident that occurred about 6:11 a.m. on Jan. 28 at a residence along Chestnut Drive in Ross Township.

State police at Lehighton said Billy Joe Dean, 42, of Saylorsburg, forced his way into the home and then caused a physical altercation with a 63-year-old woman by punching her in the face and taking her wallet. Dean was later located and placed in the county prison in Snydersville. The investigation into the incident is continuing.