Assault by Dog Charges for Salem Man

SALEM, MA - A Salem man is facing multiple assault charges after he allegedly kicked and had his dog bite a man outside a coffee shop on Washington Street on Sunday morning.

Around 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, police were called to Washington Street for a report of a fight involving a dog. When police arrived, the fight was over, and fire and ambulance personnel were helping out a man who had bite marks from a dog. He was later taken to Salem Hospital by ambulance.

The suspect in the attack, 45-year-old John R. Aia, 45, of 43 Boston Street fled the scene and was later arrested at his residence, according to police.

Aia was charged with assault and battery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (shod foot and dog).

The dog was taken to Danvers Animal Hospital to be quarantined.