Father and son charged in Hagerstown beating

According to police, a father and son are charged with beating and robbing William Sylvester, 56, in Hagerstown over a debt. John Ahalt, 58, and John Ahalt Jr., 28, are charged with robbery and assault. The father and son both filed private criminal complaints against Sylvester, accusing him of second-degree assault in the same  incident which occurred on February 14. Police say that Sylvester told officers that the Ahalts were house guests and the elder Ahalt demanded $70 for “a perceived past debt.” He also stated they beat him and stole his cellphone. John Ahalt Sr.’s complaint against Sylvester states there was a disagreement over people smoking crack cocaine and that Sylvester punched him, knocking his tooth out.