17 July 2023- Police say that the health of a German Sheppard puppy was at the center of a prolonged domestic assault that included threatening the victim and racial slurs. Matthew Allen Clever is behind bars on $125,000 bail after being charged with felony aggravated assault, felony intimidating a victim to refrain from reporting, felony strangulation, misdemeanor assault, misdemeanor terroristic threats, and misdemeanor criminal mischief.
A victim came to the Greencastle Police Department around 9:15pm on July 15th to report a domestic violence incident. Police talked to the victim, who lived in the Borough of Greencastle and was involved with Matthew Clever. Police, according to court filings, say that the victim appeared scared and disheveled with running make-up and disarray hair to go along with pain in her neck and hip.
The victim allegedly told police that she and Clever had been arguing about the health of a German Sheppard puppy. Clever allegedly called the victim racial and sexist slurs along with threatening to kill her. After verbal arguments, Clever allegedly picked the victim up by the throat and threw her against the bed before choking her. During the incident, the victim’s phone allegedly fell out of her pocket and Clever grabbed it and turned it off. During the incident, the victim allegedly tried to call police using her Apple Watch, but it wasn’t possible without connection to the phone. Clever allegedly laughed at her trying to call police, with him then smashing the phone against the wall. After more of the assault, the victim was allegedly able to get out of Clever’s control and escape without shoes. Clever allegedly got in his car with the puppy and left, during which time the victim allegedly waited half an hour before going to the police due to fears of Clever coming there. The fears were reportedly founded as Clever allegedly drove past the station while the victim was inside, with this being corroborated by another witness.
Matthew Clever is behind bars on $125,000 bail. His preliminary hearing is set for July 25th.
Sources: Docket Number: MJ-39303-CR-0000094-2023, Incident No.: 2023-07-00171
