Dead Dog Found in Bathtub During Assault Arrest

A man accused of assaulting two women during a domestic dispute is also accused of felony animal cruelty after a dog was found dead in his home, according to Prince William County Police.

David Joseph Ault, 31, of the 14100 block of Cuddy Loop is charged with 3 counts of abduction, 3 counts of brandishing, 2 counts of domestic assault & battery, 1 count of assault & battery, and 1 count of felony animal cruelty. He is being held without bond. 

Officers were responding to a report of a domestic assault Sunday morning at an apartment in the 14100 block of Cuddy Loop. The victim, 24, of Woodbridge, told police that Ault struck her in the face during an altercation Wednesday.

She returned to the apartment Sunday with two friends. When she entered the residence, Ault allegedly pulled out a BB gun and began assaulting the victim, according to police.

Ault also allegedly assaulted one of the victim's friends, a 23-year-old woman from Manassas. The third woman, 30, of Manassas, pepper sprayed Ault, according to police, and the three woman left the apartment and contacted police.

When police arrived, Ault was detained without incident, but he was found with a head injury and required medical treatment.

Officers found the dog dead in a bathtub during a search of the apartment. The victim told police that Ault had threatened to kill her dog during a conversation on Friday.

Animal Control is conducting a necropsy to determine cause of death.