WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts man is facing charges for allegedly using a pet python to beat his girlfriend as she soaked in a hot tub, injuring the woman and ultimately killing the snake.

West Springfield police say 34-year-old Keith Paro is scheduled to be arraigned Friday on charges of domestic assault and battery, larceny over $250, wanton and malicious damage over $250, and cruelty to animals.

Police say the couple got into an argument on Tuesday night and Paro removed the snake from a cage and “began beating the female repeatedly.” Police say Paro threw the snake in the hot tub when he was done, and it died.

The woman suffered bruising to her knees, back, arms and stomach.

Paro fled after the alleged assault before turning himself in late Thursday.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.