Man being investigated for domestic violence

An Orland man, arrested late Monday night on suspicion of animal cruelty, is also being investigated for violently attacking his girlfriend.

The attack was reported by the 21-year-old brother of the victim.

Glenn County Sheriff Larry Jones said the brother received a text from his sister indicating she had been assaulted by her boyfriend, Clinton Madison Whitehead, 45.

Sheriff Deputies arrested Whitehead on the 4000 block of County Road S, just east of Orland around 11 p.m.

Jones said the woman, whose name is being withheld, reported she was preparing to go to work when Whitehead accused her of infidelity and attacked her in the bathroom.

Whitehead reportedly grabbed the 28-year-old woman by the throat and held a hot iron near her face, Jones said.

The woman told deputies she was able to break away, but claimed the attack continued with Whitehead throwing her to the floor and then attempting to force her face in the toilet, Jones said.

She eventually got away and was able to leave for work. She did not require medical attention, Jones said.

Jones said the 11-year relationship has possibly included violent attacks from Whitehead in the past, including an attempted drowning, although the woman has never reported a prior incident to law enforcement.

She claims Whitehead on Sunday strangled their 1-year-old Labrador and threw it against the kitchen wall, Jones said.

The woman told investigators that Whitehead's attack continued when she came home from work, and that he tried to strangle her while bending her over the hood of her car, Jones said.

She claims she managed to break away, only to come back to the home later, where she locked herself in the car and fell asleep, Jones said.

Whitehead was booked into Glenn County Jail on suspicion of animal cruelty. Bail was set at $15,000.

The domestic violence allegations will be sent to the District Attorney's Office for investigation and further proceedings.

Eleven firearms were taken from the residence.