PAINESVILLE, Ohio — A pet iguana thrown at a restaurant manager by an angry customer will need surgery, according to Painesville police.
The man accused of throwing the iguana at a restaurant manager was arraigned Wednesday on multiple charges.
Arnold J. Teeter, 49, is charged with resisting arrest, cruelty to animals and disorderly conduct, according to court records.
Teeter was released on a $10,000 bond. He was also ordered not to have any animals.
The charges stem from a Tuesday incident at a Painesville restaurant. Teeter allegedly swung the animal by its tail at the restaurant manager following a dispute, police said. He was arrested a short time later. Police found the 2-foot-long lizard under his shirt.
The iguana, who authorities named “Copper,” was taken to the Lake County Humane Society. The lizard is being treated for injuries, including a broken leg, metabolic bone disease and poor body condition, police said.
A woman who claimed to be the iguana’s owner contacted police after the incident. According to the woman, the lizard’s name is Squirt.
Teeter is scheduled to appear in court on April 22.
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