Hudson Valley Father, Daughter Assaulted Man, Broke His Phone: NYSP

MAMAKATING, NY — A Sullivan County father and daughter were arrested after being accused of assaulting a man following a verbal altercation.

The New York State Police said, around 10:20 p.m. Sunday, troopers were sent to a home on Hamilton Road in the town of Mamakating for a report of an assault.

Police said the preliminary investigation found that Mato Hicks, 46, and his daughter Penelope Hicks, 19, both from Mamakating, assaulted a man following a verbal argument.

According to authorities, the victim began recording the incident on his cell phone.

Mato Hicks repeatedly struck the man in the face. Then Penelope Hicks put the man in a choke hold while her father continued to hit him in the face, police said.

Mato Hicks then broke the man’s phone, authorities said.

The victim suffered cuts and bruises and was taken to Garnet Health Medical Center in Wallkill for evaluation.

Penelope Hicks was charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, a misdemeanor.

Mato Hicks was charged with third-degree criminal mischief, a felony, and third-degree assault, a misdemeanor.

They were arraigned in the Town of Mamakating Court and released on their own recognizance with a return date of Nov. 3.

A judge issued a full order of protection on behalf of the victim against both the father and daughter.