A Florida man is facing felony charges after police say he attacked his neighbor during an ongoing dispute over dog feces, allegedly throwing the offending material at the victim and threatening him with a child's scooter, according to court documents.
Background
The incident occurred in Leesburg, Florida, on Aug. 7 when Lake County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a residence following a call from neighbors. According to a probable cause affidavit reviewed by Law&Crime, Trey Decloedt, 35, had been involved in an ongoing dispute with a neighboring couple regarding dog feces left on both their driveways.
The confrontation escalated when Decloedt allegedly entered the couple's home without permission while visibly irate, authorities said. The husband reported that Decloedt had dog feces in his hand upon entering and began yelling before allegedly throwing the material at him, striking the victim.
The Charges
Deputies observed a red mark on the husband's forehead and animal feces on the exterior of the neighbor's home. According to police, Decloedt threw the husband out of the residence under the carport, where a physical altercation ensued. Authorities allege Decloedt punched the man in the face.
The situation intensified when Decloedt allegedly picked up a child's scooter, raised the metal frame above his head "in a menacing posture" while verbally threatening the husband, according to the affidavit.
Decloedt was arrested on Aug. 8 and charged with aggravated battery, burglary with assault or battery, and simple battery. He posted $16,000 bond on Aug. 9 and was released from custody.
Key Takeaways
- Trey Decloedt, 35, of Leesburg, Florida, is facing three charges including aggravated battery and burglary with assault or battery
- Police allege Decloedt threw dog feces at his neighbor after entering the home without permission during a dispute over pet waste
- Authorities say Decloedt threatened the victim with a child's scooter raised above his head in a menacing manner
- The confrontation stemmed from an ongoing neighborhood disagreement about dog feces on both driveways
What's Next
Decloedt is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 31 for arraignment. In body camera footage obtained by WKMG, Decloedt told police he had spoken with his neighbors about picking up after their dog and claimed the wife agreed to address the issue but did not follow through. The neighbor provided investigators with video evidence of himself telling Decloedt not to return to the property regarding the dispute.