Elderly Florida man allegedly asked kids in pet store if they wanted to pet him, then pepper-sprayed family
07/16/2026 3:00 pm PDT
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (TCN) -- A 75-year-old man was arrested on charges of battery and child abuse in connection with an incident at a pet store where he allegedly pepper-sprayed a family.
On the evening of July 8, police arrived at a pet store after receiving a report that pepper spray had been deployed inside, WCJB reports.
Police learned Marshall Avener allegedly approached a family shopping with their two children and asked if they would like to pet his dog, according to WCJB. The family did not respond, so Avener then allegedly asked the children if they wanted to pet him instead.
The father then confronted Avener while the rest of his family walked away, per WCJB. Avener then allegedly returned to the father three times to escalate the argument and also allegedly tried to grab a child before taking out his pepper spray and spraying the father, a child, and some of the store employees. He then left the scene in his vehicle.
AOL reports Avener was located at his home and the family then identified him in a lineup.
Avener was arrested on charges of battery and child abuse and is being held without bond, according to WCJB.
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