A dispute over barking dogs on West Avenue A in Key Largo ended with a 67-year-old man facing burglary, aggravated assault, and weapons charges after deputies say he walked over to his neighbors' home with a shotgun and pointed it at them, including a juvenile. No one was injured, according to authorities.
Monroe County Sheriff's Office deputies were dispatched to the Key Largo neighborhood Friday evening, September 11, 2026, for a report of a firearm dispute, according to Tampa Free Press. Investigators say Arthur Lloyd Hrytzay walked over to his neighbors' home while holding a shotgun to complain about their dogs, then pointed the weapon at the victims, including a juvenile, during the confrontation.
Deputies noted that Hrytzay appeared intoxicated during the encounter, the outlet reports. According to the sheriff's office, he told investigators he intended to shoot the neighbor's dog if it ever came onto his property.
Charges Stack Up Following the Confrontation
Hrytzay was arrested following the incident on West Avenue A and booked into Monroe County jail. He now faces burglary while armed, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, improper exhibition of a firearm, and using a firearm while under the influence, per the report.
The burglary charge alone carries steep exposure. Florida Statute § 810.02 classifies burglary committed while armed with a firearm as a first-degree felony punishable by up to life in state prison, according to the Sammis Law Firm. If that armed burglary charge is sustained, Florida's so-called “10-20-Life” statute, codified at § 775.087, imposes a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison when a person actually possesses a firearm during a qualifying felony, according to Florida's official statutes database, Online Sunshine.
The aggravated assault charge stems from Hrytzay allegedly pointing the shotgun at the victims. Florida Statute § 784.021 addresses aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, per the same statutes database. Notably, Florida law does not require physical contact or injury to prove that charge.
Lesser Charges Reflect the Same Encounter
The improper exhibition charge covers displaying a firearm in a rude, careless, angry, or threatening manner in front of others — a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail and a $1,000 fine under Florida Statute § 790.10, according to the Drew Fritsch Law Firm.
Separately, using or handling a firearm while impaired by alcohol or controlled substances is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail under Florida Statute § 790.151, the Sammis Law Firm explains. Deputies specifically noted Hrytzay appeared intoxicated during the encounter, which underpins that charge.
A Neighborhood of Canal-Front Homes
West Avenue A sits in Key Largo Trailer Village, a residential community featuring canal-front single-family homes and mobile home properties, according to Redfin listings for the area. The area includes residential properties along canals.
Monroe County does offer a formal path for residents frustrated by barking dogs that doesn't involve a firearm. Through the Florida Keys SPCA, county animal control procedures require sworn affidavits from residents in three separate households detailing habitual noise disturbances before citations or formal investigations can proceed, according to the Florida Keys SPCA. Florida law also provides civil immunity for citizens who rescue imperiled animals from locked vehicles.
Part of a Broader Pattern in the Keys
This incident involved an armed confrontation in Key Largo.
The article also references other recent cases in the Keys.
It remains unclear whether any formal noise complaints were filed regarding the dogs prior to Friday's confrontation, what bond amount was set for Hrytzay, or whether his defense will challenge the armed burglary entry or intoxication findings.
