Dog on bed sparks violence

A fight over a dog on a bed escalated into violence and ultimately ended with a jail sentence for a 42-year-old Oak Harbor man.

David Anton pleaded guilty in Island County Superior Court April 21 to fourth-degree assault, domestic violence, as part of a plea bargain.

Judge Alan Hancock went along with the sentence recommendation worked out by the prosecution and defense. He sentenced Anton to 365 days, with 215 days suspended, and ordered him to pay $1,217 in fines and fees. Also, Hancock ruled that Anton cannot have contact with the 37-year-old victim for two years.

Oak Harbor Police Officer Serloyd Carter wrote in his report on the incident that Anton’s ex-wife had a court order barring Anton from contact with her. The woman, however, said she met with Anton to discuss getting back together July 2. They wrote out a list of rules to help them work things out.

Anton and the woman started arguing when Anton brought his small dog to bed, which was against the rules they had just worked out. Anton became upset and pulled her hair, pinned her down, bent back her thumb and kicked her knee. The woman claimed Anton pushed her as she got out of bed, causing her to fall against a wall and boxes, Carter wrote.

Prosecutors originally charged Anton with assault in violation of a protection order, which is a felony charge.

You can reach News-Times reporter Jessie Stensland at jstensland@whidbeynewstimes.com or call 675-6611.

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