Local

Rock Hill man accused of using pit bull to attack wife

ROCK HILL, S.C. — A Rock Hill man was charged with domestic violence against his wife after police said he ordered his pit bull to attack her.

John Walch, 59, was accused of opening a cage that held his pit bull and urged it to attack his wife, according to police and court records obtained by Channel 9's partners at The Herald.

Responding officers found Walch's wife under attack by the dog, and had to shoot the animal to stop the attack, police said.

The victim suffered bite injuries on her chest, legs and hand, police said. She was taken to Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill for treatment.

According to The Herald, Walch told the dog to go after his wife and then refused to stop the attack, even as police entered the home and commanded Walch to call the dog off, said Capt. Mark Bollinger, of the Rock Hill Police Department.

"Officers had to shoot the dog for the safety of the victim," Bollinger said.

Walch was released on $10,000 bond after his arrest, court records show.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com: