A Vernal man is behind bars after not one but two assaults on his roommate that included abuse to the roommate’s dog as well. According to the Affidavit of Probable Cause, officers responded to a trailer located near 500 North 200 East in Vernal on a report that 49-year-old David Tell Sharp woke his roommate demanding a ride. When the roommate refused, Sharp got on top of her, pinned her arms, put his knees in her chest to restrict her breathing, and threatened to kill her. Sharp fled before officers arrived. Later Sharp returned to the residence and when told the roommate was going to call police, he took the phone and smashed it, then pinned the woman down again, this time strangling her while telling her he was going to kill her. He also picked up the woman’s dog by the leash and collar to choke it. Officers arrived and David Tell Sharp was located hiding in the back bedroom and was taken into custody. The roommate’s injuries were documented and were consistent with the account of being pinned down and strangled. Sharp is charged with 2 counts of 3rd Degree Felony Aggravated Assault, as well as Damaging a Communication Device, Property Damage, and Intentional Cruelty to an Animal. The judge ordered Sharp be held without bail.
