JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Jacksonville City Councilman Art Shad says he had to fight back when a dog attacked him near a park in San Marco.
Shad, who represents District 5, is accused of punching a dog owner in the face at a park in San Marco.
Shad was jogging near FEC Park off Marco Place when a leashless black labrador ran after him.
The dog's owner, Tim Kelly, told police he grabbed his dog before it made contact with Shad.
Kelly said his dog broke free and darted after Shad again. Police say Shad yelled at Kelly, "Hey, there's a leash law."
Kelly responded, "I know, I'm trying to get my dog."
Police say when Kelly bent over to pick up his dog, Shad punched him in the face.
A witness corroborated Kelly's story, telling detectives the dog never touched Shad, and that Shad actually leaped over the dog to hit Kelly several times.
Shad's story to police is different, according to the police report.
He told authorities an aggressive dog came toward him and bit him on his heels and backside. He also said Kelly came at him in an aggressive manner. Shad said he only pushed the victim in the back. He also said he grabbed Kelly and the two started pushing each other.
Shad told the investigating officer punches "may have been exchanged," but he wasn't sure.
The investigating officer noted Shad stuttered and changed his story several times during the interview.
Shad later told First Coast News he punched Kelly, but said aggression came from both sides after the dog attacked him.
He said the dog bit him, but the bite didn't break the skin.
Shad said he kicked the dog and pushed and punched its owner.
Shad says he has an "above-average" fear of dogs due to many bad encounters with dogs.
Shad has not been arrested.
The officer told Kelly he could call the State Attorney's office to press charges.
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=101070
So, a dog was attacking him, and he punched the dog OWNER.....
Roflamo. That's rich. I hope Kelly sues the unbroken, supposedly bitten, pants off Shad.
He couldn't remember if he hit the guy or not...give me a break!