News and Public Media for North Central Florida
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Man Arrested For Holding Woman Hostage, Fatally Shooting 5 Dogs

The Levy County Sheriff's Office arrested a man on Wednesday after he reportedly shot five dogs in the head.

LCSO investigators received an anonymous tip that Audie Jackson Stokes, 56, a convicted felon, shot five dogs on his 35-­acre family owned property, according to a press release. When officers arrived at Stokes' home in the Williston area, he created an unlikely explanation.

After further investigation and interviews with additional witnesses, investigators determined  Stokes, had also held a woman hostage by tying her to a bed and sexually battering her, according to the press release.

Stokes gave officers permission to search his home, upon which investigators found two firearms and ammunition in his bedroom. Officers knew Stokes was not allowed to own firearms because of a previous felony conviction.

Officers then went to the back of Stokes' home where they found five dogs that had been shot in the head. Stokes was taken into custody.

Stokes was arrested on five counts of animal abuse, two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, sexual battery and false imprisonment. He was booked into the Levy County Detention Facility where he remains. His bond was set at $1.1 million.

In 1985 Stokes was found guilty of aggravated child abuse, according to county documents. In 1990, Stokes' most recent arrest in Levy County, he was arrested for disorderly intoxication, battery on an officer or firefighter, resisting arrest without violence and fleeing the police.

Melissa is a reporter who can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.