Police: Man clings to life after woman beats him, dog

A 58-year-old woman is in police custody after she brutally attacked a man and dog with a metal rod in a Milford home Monday night, police said.

Police were dispatched to the 1300 block of Nortoon at 11:35 p.m. after receiving a 911 call from the woman through the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Communication Center, Milford Police said.

The woman told the dispatcher that there was a man and dog inside with serious injuries caused by her, according to a release from the department. Milford Police Chief Thomas Lindberg told the Free Press he couldn't immediately confirm the relationship between the man and woman, but he said they lived in the home together.

When the officers got to the home, they were able to identify and secure the woman who was standing in the roadway. The officers went into the home and found a 68-year-old man, who lives in the home, with significant head and torso trauma. The family dog was also found in the same area of the home with serious head injuries, Milford Police said.

The Milford Fire Department requested the University of Michigan's Survival Flight, which later transported the man to a local hospital for treatment.

According to Milford Police, the man remains on life support and is in serious condition. The family dog was transported to Milford Veterinary Care Specialists to have its injuries attended to, police said.

Police say they believe the man was hit several times in the head and torso with a large metal rod and the same rod was used on the dog.

"The dog was in really rough shape," Lindberg said.

Milford Veterinary Care Specialists Hospital Administrator Peter Barnes said the dog, an 11-year-old golden retriever named Carley, is suffering from blunt force trauma to the head, back and spine and is currently unable to walk or stand.

Barnes said they don't yet know the extent of the dog's injuries. Barnes said an ultrasound is being done on the abdomen to see if there were other injuries sustained.

“We’ve made her comfortable and stable and we’re preparing to do some further diagnostics,” Barnes said. “Right now the prognosis is fair, but we have to wait to see the extent of any internal injuries.”

Barnes said the clinic has already had numerous offers from those who want to help pay for Carley’s treatment. Barnes said the hospital is covering all the medical costs for the dog. Anyone who wants to help can make a donation to Community Sharing’s Pet Pantry, Barnes said.

Based on preliminary evidence and "spontaneous statements made at the scene," the woman was taken into custody and is being lodged at the Oakland County Jail. Lindberg said police are working to determine a motive.

"We have no idea of that," Lindberg said. "There was no reason indicated. She has requested counsel so we don’t have information as far as a motive."

The Milford Police Department will be requesting warrants through the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, likely for attempted murder as well as the four-year animal cruelty felony, the department said in a release.

“This was an intense domestic violence crime,” Lindberg said. “This incident will have long-term dramatic effects on every member of this family as our thoughts and prayers go out to each of them."

Hometown Life reporter Laura Colvin contributed to this report.

Contact Katrease Stafford: kstafford@freepress.com or 313-223-4759.