Spat over dog walking lands couple in jail
A couple remained in jail over the weekend after an argument on Saturday allegedly escalated to physical violence.
Michelle Mia Gibson, 47, of Butler, and Raymond C. Howard III, 48, of Hilliards, were being held in Butler County Prison in lieu of $2,500 bond each after being arrested Saturday at Howard's Venango Township home. The two posted bail on Monday evening, according to jail records.
State police report Gibson was staying the weekend at Howard's home. She walked her dog Saturday morning while Howard mowed his lawn. Investigators said when Gibson returned, Howard noticed scratches on her leg and blood running down her face. Gibson told Howard her dog dragged her to the ground when he asked her what happened, according to police.
Investigators said Gibson became upset with Howard for not walking the dog with her and began tearing his clothing from his closet. Police said Gibson and Howard told different stories about what happened.Howard allegedly told police he kicked Gibson out of the house and she bit his right arm in the process. He told authorities he called police after Gibson continued destroying things and tried to get back into his house.Gibson, on the other hand, allegedly told police Howard wasn't so gentle. She alleged Howard hit her on the left side of her head and then pushed her down a flight of stairs. She allegedly told police Howard choked her to the point she couldn't breathe.Gibson was arraigned Sunday morning before Magisterial District Judge Lewis Stoughton on simple assault, harassment and criminal mischief. Her bond was set at $2,500. Howard also was arraigned in front Stoughton for simple assault, strangulation and harassment.
