MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — Both a man accused of punching a dog and the dog’s owner who allegedly confronted him face criminal charges stemming from an Oct. 10, 2025, incident at a Mechanicsville residence. According to court records, Nicholas Lee Bowley, 36, of Mechanicsville, faces animal cruelty charges, while Seth Walter Piaquadio, 26, of Mechanicsville, faces assault and resisting arrest charges after authorities say he dragged a pocketknife handle across Bowley’s face.
St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence on Hills Hide A Way around 12:24 a.m. on Oct. 10, 2025, for reports of an assault. Court records show deputies made contact with Bowley, who reported Piaquadio assaulted him. Authorities observed visible scratch marks on Bowley’s face.
According to court filings, Bowley told deputies Piaquadio assaulted him by dragging the handle of a pocketknife across his face after being accused of harming a dog belonging to Piaquadio. Documents reveal Bowley lived with Piaquadio at the residence.
Deputies interviewed Piaquadio about the incident. Court papers state Piaquadio told authorities he was shown a video that allegedly depicted Bowley punching his dog. Records show that after seeing the video, Piaquadio said he “went after” Bowley. Authorities report Piaquadio admitted he grabbed Bowley by the head and caused the injuries to his face as they started to fight. Court filings indicate Piaquadio showed deputies his back right shoulder, where Bowley scratched him during the altercation.
When deputies attempted to arrest Piaquadio, documents reveal he resisted. Records show that as a deputy grabbed Piaquadio’s left wrist and told him he was under arrest, Piaquadio attempted to pull away as the deputy moved his arm behind his back. Court papers state Piaquadio was quickly controlled and placed into handcuffs before being transported to St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center.
The investigation revealed the reported animal abuse that preceded the confrontation. Court records state Bowley had been drinking and causing problems in the house before the incident. The homeowner, identified in documents as a separate victim from Piaquadio, provided deputies with video footage that allegedly showed Bowley abusing the dog.
Deputies reviewed the video evidence, which reportedly showed Bowley entering the living room where the dog was lying on a couch and striking the animal multiple times. Documents indicate the dog did not appear aggressive or interested in Bowley at the time.
According to authorities, the footage also showed Bowley attempting to get the dog to move to a different couch. Court papers state Bowley was later seen talking to the dog and attempting to move it. Records indicate the dog nipped at Bowley but did not bite him before the recording ended.
After the altercation between the two men, court records show Bowley continued pursuing Piaquadio and kicked a hole in a bedroom door. Records estimate the damage to the door at approximately $200.
Bowley faces two misdemeanor charges, including animal cruelty and malicious destruction of property valued under $1,000. Animal cruelty carries a maximum penalty of 90 days’ imprisonment and a $1,000 fine for a first offense. Malicious destruction of property under $1,000 carries a maximum sentence of 60 days’ incarceration and a $500 fine.
Piaquadio faces two misdemeanor charges, including second-degree assault and resisting arrest. Second-degree assault carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and a $2,500 fine. Resisting arrest carries a maximum sentence of three years’ imprisonment and a $5,000 fine.
Deputies issued Bowley a criminal summons on Oct. 15, 2025, requiring his appearance in court. A preliminary inquiry for Bowley is scheduled for Dec. 5, 2025, at 1 p.m. in St. Mary’s County District Court.
Piaquadio was released on personal recognizance following his arrest on Oct. 10, 2025. Court records indicate Piaquadio waived his right to an attorney at his initial appearance. A trial for Piaquadio is scheduled for Nov. 13, 2025, at 9 a.m. in St. Mary’s County District Court.
All proceedings will take place in St. Mary’s County District Court in Leonardtown. The State’s Attorney’s Office for St. Mary’s County is prosecuting all charges against both defendants.
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Some people need to be muzzled and in a straight jacket because they don’t play well with others. I just hope for Piaquadio’s sake that Bowley has his rabies shot up to date.