WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) — A Warwick man was arrested after he allegedly assaulted two police officers who then found dead animals inside his home.
Warwick police said officers responded to 200 Negansett Ave. on Tuesday after a 911 hang-up call.
According to police, Michael Gast Jr. became combative with the officers and appeared to be under the influence of drugs. The 30-year-old was subdued by police and taken to Kent County Hospital for evaluation.
While conducting a protective sweep of the home, which police said was in deplorable condition, officers found a dead dog and a dead parrot.
Warwick Animal Control was called in to remove the dead animals, along with two more dogs, two more parrots and a cat.
Gast was arraigned Wednesday on five counts of unnecessary cruelty to animals, two counts of simple assault, and single counts of malicious killing of animals, unnecessary cruelty to animals resulting in death, and resisting arrest.
Police determined that Gast placed the 911 call, but for unknown reasons.
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