A Florida HVAC technician is facing an aggravated animal cruelty charge after police say a home security camera captured him kicking a tiny Chihuahua so hard that the dog was knocked unconscious.
Richardson Noel, 43, was arrested Thursday, Aug. 27, after the Sanford Police Department said investigators reviewed disturbing footage recorded inside a customer’s home.
According to police, Noel was servicing the home when a Furbo dog treat dispenser equipped with a camera captured the alleged attack.
The video reportedly shows the Chihuahua barking from inside the living room while Noel was outside in the yard.
Moments later, Noel allegedly walked into the home through a sliding glass door and kicked the small dog.
Police said the force of the kick sent the Chihuahua sliding across the floor before the animal landed on its side.
After that, the barking stopped.
Authorities said the dog remained unconscious for a “significant period of time.”
The incident allegedly happened shortly before 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 24, according to the timestamp on the footage.
Police were notified about what happened two days later, and Noel was taken into custody on Thursday.
Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith called the alleged attack deeply disturbing.
“It is deeply disturbing that someone entrusted with entering a person’s home to complete a service would violate that trust by viciously injuring a defenseless animal,” Smith said.
He added that the footage was difficult to watch and showed what he described as the “callousness” of the person involved.
Police have not publicly identified the HVAC company Noel was working for at the time.
It was not immediately clear whether Noel had retained an attorney.
Investigators are asking anyone with additional information about the case to contact the Sanford Police Department or Crimeline.
The case has drawn outrage because the alleged assault happened inside the customer’s own home, where Noel had reportedly been trusted to perform routine service work.
Maybe someone can kick him unconscious? Another POS ngr
SENTENCE SHOULD BE AN EYE FOR AN EYE! A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH!!! BOOTING THIS DUMP FOOCK BACK TO WHERE HE CAME FROM!!!