St. Pete man punched woman in the face, repeatedly hit dog with shovel: Police

A St. Pete man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he punched a woman and hit a dog on the head with a shovel multiple times.

According to arrest affidavits, Christopher Jerome Toliver, 37, was involved in a domestic incident on Sunday morning when he punched his girlfriend while another witness, her friend, was with them.

Police say Toliver took his girlfriend’s phone while she was trying to call 911 and report the incident. She used her friend’s phone instead to call law enforcement.

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Toliver’s girlfriend reportedly had injuries on the left side of her head.

According to witness statements, Toliver was also seen hitting a dog on the head with a shovel.

While interviewing with police, they say Toliver admitted he had sent a text message where he stated, “I hit the dog with the shovel three times. In the head.”

Toliver is charged with animal cruelty, battery and tampering with or withholding testimony/information in a non-criminal proceeding.