Andrew Pestano

Man Threw Dog He Knew Couldn't Swim in Pool; Injured Pregnant Woman: Pembroke Pines Police

Juan M. Gonzalez charged with aggravated battery, animal cruelty, police say

A man who injured a pregnant woman during a domestic dispute picked up a dog he knew could not swim and threw it in a pool where it drowned, according to the Pembroke Pines Police Department.

Officers responded to a domestic disturbance Thursday shortly before midnight at a Pembroke Pines residence. An investigation revealed the suspect committed aggravated battery when he harmed the pregnant woman, police said.

"The suspect also intentionally picked up the family dog and knowingly tossed the animal into a pool," police said in a statement. "This act occurred with the suspect having an understanding the dog could not swim and resulted in the animal’s inhumane death."

The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Juan M. Gonzalez, was arrested early Friday and booked to the Broward County Main Jail. He faces aggravated battery and animal cruelty charges.

The family dog was named Kane, police said.

Please check back for updates on this developing story.

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