Warwick man arrested after allegedly assaulting officers, animal cruelty charges filed

WARWICK, R.I. — A Warwick man is facing multiple charges including cruelty to animals and resisting arrest.

Police responded to a 911 hang-up call from a home on Negansett Avenue, where they say 30-year-old Michael Gast, Jr. became aggressive and physically attacked officers. He was subdued at the scene and taken to the hospital for evaluation.

During a follow-up search of the residence, officers discovered one deceased dog and one deceased parrot. Later on two dogs, a cat, and two parrots were also found in the home and removed.

Gast is now facing the following charges:

• Five counts of unnecessary cruelty to animals
• Two counts of simple assault
• One count of malicious killing of animals
• One count of unnecessary cruelty to animals resulting in death
• Resisting arrest