CHESTER — An initial court date hasn’t been set for a Chester man accused in the assault of a New Cumberland man Thursday night outside a local social organization.

Louis P. Gallo, 63, was charged Friday with one felony count of malicious or unlawful assault.

According to information released by Chester Police Chief Chuck Stanley, Gallo was identified through testimony of witnesses and surveillance video at the Chester Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Chester Patrolman Kyle Swan and Hancock County Sheriff’s Deputy Jacob Morgan responded to a report of a fight on the sidewalk in front of the VFW at 10:35 p.m., Thursday.

They discovered Brian D. Sweeney, 59, lying on the sidewalk, suffering from multiple face and head lacerations, so they requested an ambulance.

As Swan and Morgan began gathering information, they learned that Sweeney had been inside the VFW, where he and Gallo allegedly had a dispute. According to reports, the men walked outside, appeared to exchange more words and Gallo allegedly punched Sweeney in the face.

In the footage, Stanley said Gallo appeared to knock Sweeney unconscious as he fell backward and wasn’t moving. Gallo then continued “pummeling” Sweeney in the face more than 20 times, Stanley said, and walked inside where he reportedly told an employee “Your buddy is outside bleeding on the sidewalk.”

Gallo then re-exited the establishment, approached the still unmoving Sweeney and allegedly kicked him in the head as he laid on the sidewalk before leaving the area.

Sweeney was transported by ambulance to East Liverpool City Hospital and then airlifted to a Pittsburgh trauma center due to the severity of his head injuries.

Gallo was served with the warrant on Friday, posting a $7,500 property/surety bond through A Swan Bail Bonding LLC.

If convicted, Gallo faces up to 10 years in prison and a substantial fine.