Police have arrested Adrian Benitez, 29, in connection with a shooting on a Brooklyn street that wounded a service dog. The incident occurred on Aug. 19 around 5:45 p.m. on 31st Street near Fifth Avenue.
Benitez is accused of firing a weapon during an argument with another man. While the intended target was unharmed, a stray bullet struck Honey, a 7-year-old Labradoodle. Honey serves as a service dog for Teresa Pezzolla, 64, who has Down Syndrome.
The dog was taken to a local animal hospital, where veterinarians removed a .22 caliber bullet. Honey survived the injury.
Pezzolla's nephew told The Post that he was thankful the bullet did not hit his aunt. "I'm thankful that the bullet didn't hit my aunt because I think it would have been a lot worse."
Benitez was arrested Tuesday morning around 8:15 a.m. He faces charges including attempted murder, three counts of assault, criminal possession of a weapon, reckless endangerment, and aggravated cruelty to animals. According to law enforcement sources, Benitez has no prior unsealed arrests. His arraignment was pending Tuesday afternoon.