Man injures wife, kills dog in Union Township

A 45-year-old man named Matthew James Stokes has been arrested following reports of domestic violence against his wife and the killing of their dog. Union Township police responded to a call on March 3 regarding an assault. When officers arrived at Stokes' home, they noticed bruising and swelling on his wife's face. She claimed that Stokes had assaulted her after they left their house. She also reported that their brindle pit bull named Ryder had gone missing. However, police later discovered the dog's body near the garage, bleeding. Stokes had blood on his jeans when police encountered him. He claimed it was from the dog, who he said might have bitten him. After the incident, his wife went to the police station and described further violence, stating that Stokes dragged her from bed and caused significant injuries, including broken teeth. A humane officer later found the dog's remains and noted a suspect injury on its neck, believed to be inflicted by a human. Stokes has been charged with multiple felonies, including aggravated assault and animal cruelty. He was arraigned and is currently held in jail on a $200,000 bond. Stokes has a history of legal troubles, including a DUI charge in 2023. He reportedly left for Georgia after the incident on March 3. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.