SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — A situation that was originally reported as an animal abuse incident escalated into a man being pepper sprayed and arrested for aggravated battery to a police officer over the weekend.

On Sept. 6, Springfield Police officers responded near the intersection of Yale Blvd. and Cornell Ave. after witness reported a man hitting and choking a dog. The man, identified as K’Shawn Rush, was out on pre-trial release for multiple cases of aggravated battery and aggravated assault.

Springfield Police said witnesses reported that the dog may have been stolen, and that Rush was using it to “threaten or intimidate others.”

When officers arrived, Rush was lying in a yard with the dog. But, when the officer gave Rush verbal commands to “safely resolve the situation and protect the animal,” Rush tried to leave with the dog, ignoring the officer, Springfield Police said.

Then, the situation escalated into Rush making threats towards the officer and attacking his girlfriend when she tried to remove the dog from his possession. After that, an officer told Rush that he was under arrest and tried to take him into custody.

The police department said a second officer arrived on the scene. Rush continued to refuse to comply, and escalated his resistance. The police department said he hit officers, and removed equipment from their duty vests.

The police department said because of the “escalated” resistance, officers pepper sprayed Rush and used force to “safely” arrest him, and prevent him from hurting anyone else, including the dog. Several minutes later, officers took Rush into custody.

He was brought to the hospital for evaluation and treatment, out of an abundance of caution and in accordance with department policy.

Rush was arrested for aggravated battery to a police officer, domestic battery, resisting arrest, and cruelty to animals.

The Springfield Police Department has made the officer’s body worn camera footage public to ensure “full transparency regarding the incident.” The police department added that city officials, community leaders, and stakeholders have been informed about the incident.