A Marion County man and woman are facing multiple felony charges after deputies say a dispute over a dog escalated into a violent home invasion that left a victim injured and his home damaged.
Stefan Paul Eide, 33, and Sharon Ann Yeager, 22, were each arrested on charges of occupied burglary with assault or battery, robbery by sudden snatching and criminal mischief causing more than $1,000 in damage.
According to Marion County Sheriff’s Office investigators, the incident began July 11 after deputies responded to a civil dispute involving ownership of a Chihuahua mix. Deputies reportedly advised the matter was civil in nature after the victim refused to surrender the dog, and the pair left the property.
Investigators said only minutes later, the victim was awakened by the sound of glass shattering. Authorities allege Eide forced entry by breaking a sliding glass door, struck the victim multiple times in the head and body with what the victim described as a hard metal object, then grabbed the victim’s cellphone to prevent him from calling 911. Deputies say Yeager entered the residence, took the dog and fled with Eide.
The victim suffered bruising to his arms and torso along with cuts to his ear and head but declined medical treatment, according to the report. Investigators estimated the stolen cellphone was worth about $150, while damage to the home’s sliding glass door and a vehicle windshield brought the total property loss to approximately $1,500.
A witness told investigators he initially believed he was hearing fireworks before seeing Yeager running from the area. He later realized the sounds were glass breaking.
During a follow-up investigation, detectives reviewed body camera footage from deputies who had responded to the earlier civil dispute. According to the affidavit, Eide told a deputy he was there to retrieve the dog “before he had to deal with it himself.” After deputies explained the issue was civil, investigators say Eide stated, “I’m willing to get arrested for beating the shit out of him,” and, “I’m willing to get the outlaws involved if I have to.” Those comments were made about five minutes before the reported home invasion, according to the affidavit. Deputies also noted Eide was carrying a flashlight, which investigators believe may have been the weapon used in the assault.
Yeager later told detectives she believed the sheriff’s office had failed to help her recover the dog. She admitted she and Eide returned to the residence after deputies left, claiming they heard the victim abusing the dog and saying, “that is why we broke in.” She also claimed the victim attacked Eide first once inside the residence. Eide invoked his right to an attorney after his arrest and did not provide a statement.
