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PALM BAY, Fla. -- Authorities say a Brevard County man reportedly attacked a veterinarian after learning his dog died during surgery.

Police say 60-year-old Samuel Winstead dropped his pet schnauzer "BB" off at the animal hospital so Dr. Jason Frydelund could remove some benign fatty tissue from the animals chest.

Reports state that Frydelund said the operation went well and the dog came out of anesthesia. The staff called Winstead to tell him his dog was ready to be picked up, but minutes later, the vet believes the animal suddenly suffered a stroke and died. A second call was made to the owner.

"Apparently, he dropped his dog off for routine surgery, but the schnauzer died," said Yvonne Martinez, spokeswoman for the Palm Bay Police Department. "They called him to come get the dog and he just lost it. That's when he pulled out a knife and started to choke the doctor and pushed a nurse."

Witnesses told police that Winstead came to pick up the animal, but pulled a utility knife and started to choke the doctor. He eventually stopped and left but reportedly threatened to come back and kill the doctor.

Police responded to the clinic and stopped Winstead's car a short time later. He was charged with aggravated assault and battery. Winstead posted his $30,000 bond and is to appear in court on Sunday.

Man charged with attacking vet after dog dies |West Palm Beach News, South Florida Breaking News, Forecast, Video from WPTV