Monroe County, PA- A Pocono Township man is now facing felony charges after he allegedly pulled his vehicle over on a residential road, chased a neighbor into the woods with a knife, and stabbed the man’s dog during a violent confrontation — all while his young daughter was with him in the car.
Christopher R. Sigle, 42, was charged after an altercation on the evening of July 1 along Hunters Path in Pocono Township, Monroe County. The confrontation stemmed from an earlier incident the same day in which the victim’s dog — which had gotten loose — killed a chicken and injured a turkey belonging to Sigle. Both men were involved in a physical altercation that afternoon and were told by Pocono Township Police to stay away from each other.
However, according to investigators, Sigle did not stay away. Hours later, when he spotted the victim walking his dog along Hunters Path, Sigle pulled his vehicle over, got out, and told the victim he was going to “put the dog down like he should have earlier.” He then produced a knife and began advancing.
The victim fled into the woods. Sigle followed. The victim fell after running about 20 feet. A struggle over the dog’s leash followed, during which Sigle allegedly took three to four swipes at the dog. The victim was struck while trying to block the blows.
The dog suffered a stab wound to its right rib cage and was transported to Barton Heights Veterinary Hospital. The victim suffered lacerations to his left wrist and forearm and was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital-Monroe Campus by EMS. Sigle later confirmed to police that a 6-inch fixed-blade knife found soaking in water outside his home was the weapon used.
Charges against Christopher R. Sigle, 42
- Aggravated assault (2nd-degree felony)
- Aggravated cruelty to animals (3rd-degree felony)
- Reckless endangerment (2nd-degree misdemeanor)
- Cruelty to animals (2nd-degree misdemeanor)
- Simple assault (2nd-degree misdemeanor)
- Harassment (citation)
Sigle has a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 15 before Magisterial District Judge Daniel Kresge.
