Morrill man accused of assault, cruelty

LIBERTY – A Morrill man was arrested Monday for allegedly assaulting a pregnant woman and attempting to drown the family dog in Stevens Pond.

Chief Deputy Bob Keating of the Waldo County Sheriff’s Department said Tuesday a witness called the department at about 4 p.m. Monday reporting that a man was assaulting a pregnant woman. Sgt. Mark Schade and Deputy Adam Paul went to the scene.

The officers apprehended George Gossage, 34, who was leaving the scene on foot, Keating said. He was arrested and charged with assault, obstructing the report of a crime, and cruelty to animals.

The woman, believed to be about seven months pregnant, was transported by ambulance to Waldo County General Hospital, Keating said.

Gossage and the woman knew each other, but the nature of their relationship was unknown Tuesday, Keating said. The officers had not yet filed a report on the incident, he said.