The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Florida man was arrested after a disagreement involving dog waste reportedly escalated into a confrontation with a neighbor that included an alleged attack.
Authorities said the neighbor had a red mark on his forehead following the incident. They also found what appeared to be animal feces on the outside of the home after responding to the residence on August 7.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the neighbor told authorities that the 35-year-old man had entered his home and was visibly angry. The man allegedly threw dog feces at him before the two ended up fighting outside. The neighbor said the man punched him in the face and then picked up a child’s scooter, raising its metal frame over his head while allegedly making threats.
The man later gave authorities his own version of what happened. He said he had previously spoken with the neighbors about dog waste that he believed had been left in his yard. He told authorities that the neighbor’s wife had agreed to clean it up, but several hours later, the waste was still there.
He said he placed the feces near the edge of the driveway. According to his account, the neighbor contacted him about the matter and asked him to come over. The man claimed that the neighbor shoved him in the doorway, leading to the physical confrontation.
The man also told authorities he had a friendship with the alleged victim, and they regularly entered one another’s properties without knocking.
The neighbors disputed that explanation. Authorities were shown video in which the neighbor had previously warned the man not to come onto his property or enter his home because of the dispute over dog feces.
The man was arrested the following day and charged with aggravated battery, burglary with assault or battery, and simple battery. He was released after posting a $16,000 bond.
If you or someone you love is suspected of an assault or battery offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.