Authorities in Palm Beach reported that an incident unfolded in the midtown beach area late last month, leading to the arrest of a man accused of using a dead hog as part of a social media stunt.
Investigators allege that the individual brought the carcass to a public sidewalk and began filming himself as part of his online content. Reports described how the man allegedly cut into the hog before biting into the flesh, all while recording the encounter. The scene reportedly alarmed a passerby who believed she had witnessed someone mutilating a dog, and she called the authorities.
When officers arrived, they relied on details about a vehicle seen leaving the area and used a license plate reader system to help identify a suspect. When he was found and questioned by Palm Beach Police officers, the man allegedly acknowledged that he had been consuming raw meat from the hog and showed officers the footage he had captured. Some of that video was later uploaded to his social media account.
Officials say the incident created what they considered a potential biohazard due to the presence of animal blood on a public walkway, and the cleanup reportedly cost the town several hundred dollars.
The individual, who lives in Clewiston, later addressed the arrest on his social media platform, characterizing the situation as an overreaction to what he viewed as a minimal amount of blood. He also suggested that his dietary choices are part of cultural or historical practices and indicated he plans to continue creating content.
The man was taken into custody and booked into the Palm Beach County Jail. He is facing a preliminary charge of criminal mischief. A $100,000 bond was initially sought, but according to records, he was released from the facility the following day after posting a $2,000 bond.
The suspect, who pleaded not guilty to the allegations, reported that he was fired from his job as a result of the situation.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.