Leesburg, Florida — A dispute between neighbors over dog poop reportedly took an extraordinary turn when a Florida man allegedly stormed into a neighbor’s home carrying animal feces, threw the waste at the homeowner and later threatened him with a child’s metal scooter, according to deputies.
The confrontation happened at a Leesburg residence on August 7, after what authorities described as an ongoing dispute between Decloedt and a neighboring couple over dog feces allegedly being left around their properties.
Trey Decloedt, 35, was arrested by Lake County sheriff’s deputies on August 8 in connection with the confrontation, according to reports citing the arrest affidavit.
Alleged Feces Attack Leads to Fight
According to the affidavit, the homeowner told deputies that Decloedt entered his house without permission while carrying dog feces.
The homeowner alleged that Decloedt threw the feces at him and struck him with the waste during the confrontation. The homeowner then reportedly pushed Decloedt back outside. But the argument allegedly didn’t end there.
Once outside, the two men became involved in a physical fight, during which Decloedt allegedly punched the homeowner in the face.
When deputies arrived, they reportedly observed a red mark on the neighbor’s forehead as well as animal feces outside the residence.
Child’s Scooter Allegedly Becomes a Weapon
The confrontation reportedly escalated even further when Decloedt allegedly grabbed a child’s metal scooter.
According to reports citing the arrest affidavit, he lifted the scooter over his head in what authorities described as a “menacing posture” and allegedly threatened the neighbor.
That allegation contributed to the serious charges later filed against him.
The bizarre dispute had reportedly been building for some time, with the neighboring couple telling deputies that they had experienced an ongoing disagreement with Decloedt over dog feces being left around their properties.
Man Gives Deputies Different Version of Events
Decloedt reportedly offered deputies a different account of what happened.
According to body-camera footage obtained by local outlet, he said he had already complained to the neighbor’s wife about the dog feces.
Decloedt claimed she promised to clean up the mess, but he said four hours later the feces were still there. He also told deputies that the neighbor later contacted him and asked him to come over to discuss the issue.
Decloedt claimed that when he arrived, the neighbor “shoved him in the doorway”, after which the two men fought in the driveway.
He also reportedly told investigators that the neighbors previously had an understanding that allowed them to enter each other’s homes without knocking.
However, the neighbor allegedly provided deputies with a recording that contradicted that claim.
The recording reportedly showed that the neighbor had previously told Decloedt that he was no longer welcome on the property or inside the home because of the ongoing dispute over dog feces.
Florida Man Faces Multiple Charges
When deputies asked to enter Decloedt’s home to photograph injuries he claimed to have suffered during the fight, he allegedly refused.
According to reports, he also declined orders to come outside.
Deputies eventually placed him in handcuffs and transported him for questioning. After being advised of his rights, Decloedt agreed to speak with investigators and reportedly continued to maintain his version of events.
He was subsequently charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery, simple battery and burglary.
Decloedt posted $16,000 bond on August 9 and was released. His next court appearance is reportedly scheduled for August 31.
The allegations remain accusations, and the criminal case will now move through the court system.
What began as an argument over something as ordinary — and unpleasant — as unscooped dog poop ultimately resulted in allegations of a home invasion, a physical fight, flying feces and a threat involving a child’s scooter.
What do you think about this bizarre neighbor dispute? Could an argument over dog poop really have escalated this far? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
