Will Greenlee

will.greenlee@tcpalm.com

ST. LUCIE COUNTY — A man accused of intentionally running over a 20-pound dog was arrested in an incident that also sent the dog’s owner to jail, according to affidavits.

A St. Lucie County sheriff’s deputy in an affidavit said Stephen Matteson, 72, on Sunday reported he was driving in the 10700 block of South Ocean Drive on Hutchinson Island and tried to turn left. That's when he said he hit a dog that wasn’t on a leash.

Matteson said after the dog was struck, a man later identified as Timothy Murphy, 52, started screaming and threatened to kill him.

Matteson told deputies Murphy got a crowbar and “proceeded to vandalize the hood, front driver’s side window, and door of the vehicle,” according to an affidavit. Matteson went to his nearby home and called 911.

Murphy, whose address also is in the area, told deputies Matteson purposely ran down his dog. He said Matteson “gunned” his vehicle, a 2014 Kia Optima, and hit the animal.

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A veterinarian reported the dog, a bichon frisé named Cotton, sustained “significant trauma to the skin” and “extensive road rash on its stomach and groin.” The vet reported Cotton likely will lose her tail, an affidavit said.

Murphy told deputies that after striking Cotton, Matteson smiled.

“When Murphy approached the vehicle and began yelling at him, Murphy said Matteson continued to smile and said, ‘I did!!! She should be on a leash!!'” an affidavit said.

Matteson, arrested on a misdemeanor animal cruelty charge, was released Sunday from the St. Lucie County Jail on $750 bail, a jail official said. Matteson disputed portions of the arrest affidavit Tuesday.

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He said he didn’t see the dog and denied intentionally hitting it. He said he was in his community, traveling less than 5 mph.

He said as soon as he heard a “yip,” he applied his brakes.

Murphy, who wasn’t immediately available for comment, was arrested on a felony criminal mischief charge.

He was released Sunday from the St. Lucie County Jail on $3,750 bail, a jail official said.

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