Man Claims He Was Trying To Catch Kitten When He Trashed House

LAND O' LAKES, FL — A 50-year-old Land O' Lakes man is accused of severely beating his best friend and trashing his own home. He claimed he trashed his home trying to catch his kitten.

Douglas Allen Smith of Tower Road was arrested Sunday and charged with aggravated battery with serious injuries.

The victim stated that he and Smith are lifelong friends. They were hanging out at Smith's house on Sunday, drinking alcohol.

The friend said Smith suddenly lost control and began destroying furniture, smashing his prized guitar and beating his friend without provocation.

When deputies arrived, there were a pool of blood on the floor in front of the door, a broken table, a television on the ground, a smashed guitar and other damage.

Smith said he didn't remember how the damage occurred, didn't know whose blood was on the floor and didn't know how he had gotten abrasions on the knuckles of both hands.

Smith told deputies that all he remembered was chasing his kitten.

Deputies said Smith's friend was beaten so badly he may require surgery and will undoubtedly have scars from his injuries.

Smith was charged with aggravated battery with serious injuries. Bond was set at $20,000.