A Peoria man is facing charges after he reportedly threatened animal control workers with a knife on Tuesday. According to 25 News Now, 54-year-old James William Brazee was arrested on preliminary charges of aggravated assault and animal cruelty. The incident took place around 4:35 p.m. in the 2600 block of West Garden Street, where Peoria County Animal Protection Services (PCAPS) employees were reportedly called to investigate a malnourished dog.
Upon arrival, PCAPS workers discovered a grim scene: five dogs and four puppies all presenting signs of malnourishment, flea infestations, sores, and residing in substandard conditions. During the investigation at Brazee's residence, he is said to have emerged from the home and threatened the employees with a knife. No injuries were reported from the incident, and Brazee was detained without incident, found in possession of two pocket knives.
In a related account, Central Illinois Proud added that the PCAPS employees were allegedly threatened when they were checking on the conditions of the “flea-infested” dogs. Peoria Police spokesperson Semone Roth relayed that Brazee is now awaiting formal charges at the Peoria County Jail, while the animals have been taken into the care of PCAPS for treatment.
The charges against Brazee include aggravated assault and nine counts of animal cruelty, as officers from the Peoria Police Department "quickly" placed him under arrest following the confrontation. “He was taken to the Peoria County Jail and the dogs were all taken to PCAPS for treatment and care,” Semone Roth told Central Illinois Proud concerning the aftermath of the incident. The story is still unfolding, and updates will be provided as they become available.
