Sunday morning on Ludlow’s River Walk turned surreal when a naked man allegedly confronted a dog walker and his full-grown pit bull, threatened them and, at one point, lifted the dog by its neck, according to police. The dog and its owner were not seriously hurt, and officers say they were able to take the suspect into custody without using force, although the odd encounter was serious enough to trigger a K-9 search of the trail.
Ludlow police identified the suspect as 34-year-old Alexander Marano and say he was arrested at the scene, according to NBC Boston. The outlet reports that Marano was charged with disorderly conduct, threat to use a deadly weapon, assault and battery, open and gross lewdness, indecent exposure and cruelty to animals. Officers say the victim refused serious medical care and that no one suffered major injuries in the incident.
According to a police narrative reviewed by Boston.com, a caller told dispatch the nude man screamed, "Don't move, I have a shot gun," before walking toward the dog walker. The caller said the man grabbed him repeatedly and then lifted the pit bull off the ground by the neck, until the owner pushed him away. Officers brought in K-9 Striker and searched the area but say they found no weapon.
Ludlow police say officers eventually found Marano naked and crouched in nearby bushes and took him into custody without incident, the Boston Globe reports. Marano refused medical treatment, was evaluated by paramedics and was then booked at the Hampden County Correctional Center. "Our officers handled this difficult situation with compassion and professionalism," Police Chief Michael Brennan said in a statement quoted by the Globe.
What the Charges Could Mean
Marano's cruelty-to-animals charge falls under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 272, which can carry state-prison terms and fines depending on how severe the conduct is. Under M.G.L. c. 272 § 77, a conviction can bring up to seven years in state prison or a shorter sentence in a house of correction, along with fines. Open and gross lewdness and indecent exposure are also state offenses, and M.G.L. c. 272 § 16 carries its own penalties. For now, the charges are allegations that will be sorted out in court.
Marano was being held at the Hampden County Correctional Center pending an arraignment scheduled for Tuesday, the Boston.com piece says. Police said the dog owner and the pit bull did not suffer serious injuries, according to NBC Boston.
