NEW CASTLE (KDKA) — Investigators in Lawrence County say a New Castle man is facing charges after a woman reported that she was choked and her puppy died of injuries from being thrown against a vehicle.

Police say 54-year-old Leroy Graham is facing charges of cruelty to animals, simple assault and harassment in connection with the incident earlier this month.

According to the criminal complaint, the victim told police Graham had been watching her 8-week-old puppy while she took a friend shopping.

When she returned, she reported to police that she and Graham got into an argument because the trip had taken longer than expected.

The criminal complaint reports “Graham became angry, reached through her car window and choked her.” When he brought the puppy to her, police say the woman reported that he then slammed the animal against her vehicle, severely injuring it.

The woman told authorities the puppy died the next morning from those injuries.

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