According to police reports, the incident happened just after midnight at a Sunoco gas station on Wayne Avenue in front of several witnesses.

Witnesses called 911 and reported that a man was seen slamming a puppy into a blue Chevrolet in the parking lot.

The man was identified as Aundray Faricloth, 34. His is being held on a charge of animal cruelty.

The police report said that when officers arrived, they found Faircloth highly intoxicated. Officers said they found the small pit bull puppy shaking uncontrollably in his car.

A woman who was with Faircloth told police that nothing was going on, but that is when witnesses came forward, saying the suspect choked and slammed the puppy by its throat on top of the car at least three times.

News Center 7 talked with one animal lover who was disgusted by what had happened.

Judy Coffey said, “I love animals and they’re defenseless. They don’t deserve something like this.”

According to police reports, the officer released the puppy to the woman who was with Faircloth.

Faircloth has since been released from jail after posting bond.