Jacksonville Councilman Accused of Punching Dog Walker

jbm32206 · #1 01-29-2008, 04:20 PM

So Shad couldn't recall if he hit the guy or not...give me a break! I wonder if the guy will file charges?

Quote:

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/l...storyid=101070

rpschutt · #2 01-29-2008, 04:57 PM

Black labs are so vicious, ya know?

Diane Melendez · #3 01-29-2008, 05:32 PM

Shad has some very serious self control issues (among other unhealthy behaviors). Many people have been witness to his odd behavior behind the scenes, even during city meetings. This time the public got a chance to see what he is like. The dog owner should file charges against him. I hope he does and wins the case. Shad claims the dog attacked him, but the owner and a witness said the dog never touched him.

Shad likes to tell stories. Like the one he told about "only" being addicted to pain pills......yeah right!

jbm32206 · #4 01-29-2008, 05:37 PM

My guess is,

that he's a cat person.....

rpschutt · #5 01-29-2008, 05:40 PM

Actually, most narcissist's don't like anyone or anything except themselves.

SAGE · #6 01-29-2008, 06:06 PM

Did the po-po arrest Shad? If not, why? He should be booked on assault and battery charges.

SAGE · #7 01-29-2008, 06:09 PM

Wonder what he was actually doing in the park because somehow I can't picture him jogging.

jbm32206 · #8 01-29-2008, 06:09 PM

I'm guessing that since the officer didn't see the attack, and my guess is there may not have been serious bodily injury to the victim....that it's pretty standard to give them a report number and advise them to file charges with the SAO....

SAGE · #9 01-29-2008, 06:11 PM

Huh em. There was a very credible witness saying that the attack was unprovoked

rpschutt · #10 01-29-2008, 06:11 PM

If any of us had punched someone in a park, we would have been arrested on assault and battery charges. It's quite telling as to how the power structure works in this city that the victim was referred to the State Attorney to press charges. Apparently, if you are attacked by an elected official, you are pretty much on your own.