Man Accused Of Locking New Wife In Dog Cage (1)

1 Name: WFTV-TV 9 : 2008-04-17 15:17 ID:P7isRYLE

CANTON, Ohio -- A man is accused of handcuffing his wife inside a dog cage days after they were married in Las Vegas.

Canton police Lt. Greg Boudreaux said 28-year-old Matthew George also fired gunshots inside the home. His wife, Mary Swihart, was not injured, WEWS-TV in Cleveland reported.

"He had her handcuffed inside of the cage, would hold her against her will inside the cage for two to four hours at a time, release her from the cage, re-handcuff her outside the cage, let two dogs inside the cage and crate the dogs," said Canton police Lt. Jim Cole.

Neighbors said George and Swihart fought often, yelling obscenities at all hours of the day and night, many times outside in the driveway.

Police said that on Saturday, George fired gunshots both into the floor and at Swihart after four days of mistreating her.

"At some point in time, she convinced him to un-handcuff her so she could use the restroom. At that time, she chose to run out of the house, she began screaming," said Cole. "We believe he fired one more round from his handgun into her direction. There were shell casings all over the house."

George has a history of both domestic violence and drug charges.

The couple has a 20-month-old son who was home at the time of the alleged incident.

"All these domestic situations are violent, but in a case where a female is kept captive in a dog crate, this is the first in my experience," said Cole.

Police said George fled the scene and was picked up hours later in Springfield.

Police said he had taken a large quantity of pills and is currently in Akron City Hospital.

Once released, he will be taken to the Stark County Jail and will be charged with abduction, child endangering, felonious assault and domestic violence.

Arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday morning.

Swihart and her son are currently staying with family members.

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