A Queens parolee was arrested Thursday after authorities discovered a dead dog inside his home, and the stench of death had permeated throughout the neighborhood.
According to police sources, parole officers went to a home at 13-14 College Point Blvd. in College Point for a compliance check at about 10:33 a.m. on Aug. 13. Upon arriving, they were immediately met by the overpowering smell.
“I don’t even want to go inside, it smells so bad,” one of the officers told amNewYork.
Inside the residence, authorities allegedly found a deceased dog that appeared to have been left to starve. Neighbors said they had not seen the animal for some time and claimed the 55-year-old suspect had a history of abusing a German Shepherd in the front yard, sparking repeated conflicts with residents.
A Queens parolee was arrested Thursday after authorities discovered a dead dog inside his home, where a foul odor had spread throughout the neighborhood.Photo by Dean Moses
“He treats his dog pretty badly. He would kick the dog when it would not listen to him. When the weather is like 90 degrees outside, or when it’s freezing cold, he just left the dog outside. He never lets the dog inside the house,” next-door neighbor Lionel Chok said.
Chok said he confronted the man about the alleged abuse on multiple occasions, but claimed the encounters often turned hostile.
“He would verbally attack us. At one point, he said to my sister, ‘You better watch out when you’re outside alone.’ It sounded like he was threatening her,” Chok said.
A Queens parolee was arrested Thursday after authorities discovered a dead dog inside his home, where a foul odor had spread throughout the neighborhood.Photo by Dean Moses 
Photo by Dean Moses
Police officers were seen wearing latex gloves and face masks as they searched the property, with some swatting away flies while entering the home’s garage. When authorities opened the front door, a putrid odor drifted onto the street.
“I would pass by, and I wasn’t sure if it was mold or the smell of death,” neighbor Pete Pagan said. “You can smell that. It’s the smell of death.”
Adding to the grim scene, a “Beware of Dog” sign remained posted outside the home.
Later in the afternoon, officers from the 109th Precinct placed the homeowner in handcuffs and led him away. As he was escorted to a police vehicle, amNewYork asked him about the investigation, but he only mumbled comments about his son.
A Queens parolee was arrested Thursday after authorities discovered a dead dog inside his home, where a foul odor had spread throughout the neighborhood.Photo by Dean Moses
According to police sources, the man was arrested on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm. Official charges remain pending.
Several neighbors also told amNewYork they had previously filed complaints with police about the man. Authorities have not yet disclosed what offense he was on parole for, and the investigation into the dog’s death remains ongoing.