PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A Phoenix man is facing felony charges after police say he threatened his neighbors who were trying to help his dog, which was hit by a car.
Court records show John Nowlin, 64, is facing felony charges of aggravated assault on a police officer and resisting arrest after he was taken into custody Friday night.
Phoenix police arrested John Nowlin, 64 on Dec. 26, 2025.(Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office)
Officers arrived at the area of 27th and Augusta avenues, just south of Northern Avenue, just after 9:30 p.m., after a 911 caller said Nowlin was threatening people who were with an injured dog.
According to court paperwork, Nowlin had left his black and white husky alone when it got outside and was hit by a car near the home. Witnesses nearby found the dog, and Nowlin reportedly began threatening witnesses and demanding that they give the dog back, saying that he would “hurt them” if he didn’t get his husky back.
After neighbors handed the back to Nowlin, witnesses said he grabbed the leash and began pulling on it, choking the dog, while walking back to his house. Nowlin also allegedly kicked and pushed his dog because it was struggling to walk on its own, court papers said. Witnesses described the husky as “limping,” and said that the dog had blood on its legs.
By about 10 p.m., officers tried to detain Nowlin when he reportedly tried to grab an officer in his right forearm and elbow, causing that officer to fall on the ground. He was handcuffed moments later and said, “I need a lawyer,” after being read his Miranda rights, court papers said.
A few hours later, Nowlin said he wanted to speak with officers. During that interview, he explained that he didn’t have a gun and just wanted witnesses to get away from his dog, which is why he said he threatened to shoot them.
He explained that he went to talk to the officers and heard them telling him to take his hand out of his pockets. Since he didn’t want to fight or argue or feel like talking to them anymore, he tried to go back inside the house, but was instead arrested.
Nowlin was booked into Maricopa County jail and held on a $2,500 bond. It’s unclear whether he will face any charges related to animal cruelty.
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