A Leesburg, Florida man has been arrested after police say he entered his neighbor's home, threw dog feces at the homeowner, punched him in the face, and then threatened him with a child's scooter during an escalating dispute over pet waste.
Background
Trey Decloedt, 35, became involved in what authorities describe as an ongoing dispute with a neighboring couple regarding dog feces left on their shared driveways. According to a probable cause affidavit reviewed by Law&Crime, the conflict had been simmering between the neighbors before it reached a boiling point on Aug. 7.
Police responded to the residence that day after receiving a call from Decloedt's neighbors. The couple told investigators they had been dealing with recurring issues involving dog waste on both their driveway and Decloedt's property.
When officers arrived, they observed what appeared to be animal feces on the exterior of the neighbor's home and spoke with the husband about the incident that had just occurred.
The Investigation
According to the affidavit, Decloedt allegedly entered the couple's home without permission while appearing visibly irate. Witnesses reported he had dog feces in his hand before allegedly throwing the material at the husband, striking him directly.
The husband told police the situation escalated when Decloedt began yelling at both him and his wife inside their residence. After being struck with the feces, the husband reportedly shoved Decloedt back out of the home under the carport area, where a physical altercation ensued between the two men.
During the confrontation, Decloedt allegedly punched the man in the face. He then picked up a child's scooter, raised the metal frame above his head in what police described as a menacing posture, and verbally threatened the husband before witnesses.
Officers documented observing a red mark on the husband's forehead consistent with the reported assault. When questioned by police, Decloedt claimed he had spoken to his neighbors about picking up after their dog and that when he approached the wife about feces in his yard, she agreed to handle it but failed to do so within hours.
Decloedt told officers his neighbor sent him a message inviting him over to discuss the issue. He maintained that the two men previously had been close friends with an informal agreement allowing them to enter each other's properties without knocking. However, when police asked about this arrangement, the neighbor provided video evidence showing he had specifically instructed Decloedt not to come to his property regarding the dog feces dispute.
Decloedt was taken into custody on Aug. 8. He initially refused to allow officers inside his home to photograph injuries and allegedly failed to comply with commands to exit the residence before being placed under arrest.
The Charges
Following his arrest, Decloedt was booked into the Lake County Jail and charged with three offenses: aggravated battery, burglary with assault or battery, and simple battery. He posted $16,000 bond on Aug. 9 and was released from custody pending further proceedings.
The Lake County Sheriff's Office handled the investigation. His next scheduled court appearance is set for Aug. 31 in the local circuit court jurisdiction.
Key Takeaways
- Trey Decloedt, 35, has been charged with aggravated battery, burglary with assault or battery, and simple battery following a dispute over dog feces
- Police allege Decloedt threw dog waste at his neighbor before punching him and threatening him with a child's scooter
- The incident reportedly began as an ongoing neighborhood disagreement about pet waste on shared driveways
- Officers documented visible injuries including a red mark on the victim's forehead
- Decloedt posted $16,000 bond and was released from custody the day after his arrest
- His next court date is scheduled for Aug. 31
What's Next
Decloedt is expected to appear in Lake County Circuit Court on Aug. 31 where he will face the three charges filed against him. The case remains under investigation by the Lake County Sheriff's Office, and additional developments may emerge as prosecutors prepare their response to the defense. Anyone with additional information regarding similar incidents involving the defendant has been encouraged to contact local authorities.