Indiana Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting Girlfriend, Punching Dog Trying to Protect Her: Cops

An Indiana man has been arrested after he allegedly sexually assaulted his girlfriend and then punched a dog trying to protect her, according to authorities.

Around 12:30 p.m. on July 23, officers were called to an Angola hospital to investigate a report of a sexual assault, according to the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators spoke with the victim and determined the alleged assault occurred at a house in Orland early in the morning on July 23, officials said.

Police identified the suspect as the victim’s boyfriend, 46-year-old Brandon Kevin Hicks, who lived with her in Orland.

According to officials, the victim told investigators that an intoxicated Hicks battered, strangled and sexually assaulted her.

During the alleged attack, the woman’s dog tried to protect her, so Hicks punched the dog with a closed fist in retaliation, police said.

Never miss a story — sign up for the Front Page Detectives newsletter. Be on the scene the moment news breaks.

Around 7 p.m. on July 23, officers located the suspect at the Orland residence and he was taken into custody.

He was booked into the Steuben County Jail and charged with rape, strangulation, domestic battery and animal cruelty, authorities said.

Hicks is being held without bond and the assault is still under investigation.