Published: December 03, 2008 10:09 pm         

Man accused of choking wife, puppy after dispute

A 25-year-old Enid man was charged with felony domestic abuse and animal abuse charges for allegedly choking his wife and their puppy.

Johnny Lee Daniel was charged Tuesday with domestic assault and battery by strangulation and cruelty to animals. Because of three prior felony convictions, Daniels faces possible sentences of three years to life in prison and four years to life in prison if convicted of charges.

According to an affidavit filed in the case, Enid police responded about 2:18 p.m. Nov. 26 to Daniels’ home in the 1800 block of East Chestnut on a report of domestic violence.

When officers arrived, they spoke with Daniels and his wife and noted a large broken painting and a glass-top coffee table with the glass broken out of it, according to an affidavit.

Daniels told police he was angry because he thought his wife was cheating on him, and he began kicking the furniture and punching the walls. He denied making physical contact with his wife.

Daniels’ wife told police they were arguing and Daniels went outside and hit the side of the house. She said he then went to backyard and picked up their puppy and started choking it. She said he threw the puppy to the ground two to three times.

The woman told police she thought Daniels was going to kill the dog so she tried to stop him, but Daniels shoved her away and hit her in the face several times, the affidavit states. She said she tried to get Daniels to stop, but he grabbed her by the throat and began choking her to the point of not being able to breathe, according to the affidavit.

In the affidavit, police noted seeing red abrasions on the woman’s neck and fresh scratches on her side and back.

Daniels later told officers his wife came home and tried to attack him and he only tried to restrain her, according to the affidavit.

Daniels is expected to be arraigned on the charges Friday morning.