DERBY — Police accused a 60-year-old man of abusing his dog on O’Sullivan’s Island, a walking trail where the Housatonic and Naugatuck rivers meet.
Thomas Michel, a Derby resident, is charged with cruelty to animals, breach of peace, second-degree threatening and criminal possession of ammunition, according to a June 1 Facebook post from the Derby Police Department.
Police were contacted after people allegedly saw Michel assault his dog, according to police.
“During the incident, Michel reportedly threatened individuals who attempted to intervene and protect the animal. As a result of the investigation, Michel, a convicted felon, was found to be in possession of handgun ammunition,” according to the statement.
The statement did not include the time and date of the offense and court information was not available June 2.
Court records show Michel has previously done jail time for assault and burglary.