Man Arrested for Throwing Dog at Police Officer At South Florida Dog Park

Aventura, FL - An Aventura man faces felony charges after throwing his dog at a police officer during a dispute at a South Florida dog park.

According to police, the alleged abuse occurred at Waterways Dog Park on Sunday when 68-year-old Mordechai Oaknin threw his dog at a police officer who were dispatched to the park to mediate a dispute between dog owners.

Robin Tobias, a park visitor and witness, tells CBS Miami the situation began when a woman's "big dog tried playing with the small dog, he overreacted. He freaked out. He was kind of blocking the door so she couldn’t leave."

The Aventura Police Department states that officers were dispatched to the scene and attempted to de-escalate the situation, causing Oaknin to become agitated and aggressive.

The situation escalated when Oaknin allegedly picked up his Pomeranian and threw it at an officer, striking them in the chest.

According to the police report, the dog sustained a possible paw injury.

Surveillance footage captured the incident.

Oaknin was charged with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, animal cruelty, and resisting arrest.

He was released on a $2,000 bond and the dog was placed in the care of Miami-Dade Animal Services.