Rigby man charged with aggravated battery after altercation with elderly neighbor over dog

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) — A Rigby man faces felony battery and assault charges after allegedly forcing his 84-year-old neighbor to the ground during an argument involving a dog and a gun.

On Friday, September 25th, Austin Farmer, 43, was arrested and booked into the Jefferson County Jail on charges of aggravated battery and aggravated assault.

Around 7 p.m. Friday, Jefferson County Sheriff's deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 4500 block of East 250 North and detained Farmer at the scene.

According to a press release from the sheriff's office, the altercation began after the unnamed neighbor reportedly drew a handgun and pointed it at Farmer's dog. The neighbor later told investigators that the dog had previously bitten him and was acting aggressively toward him at the time.

When Farmer saw the gun pointed at his pet, an argument broke out, and Farmer reportedly forced the elderly man to the ground. Farmer was still yelling, “I will put a bullet in his head over my son and my kids” when deputies were on scene.

Central Fire Ambulance responded to evaluate the neighbor, who was later transported to a local hospital by family members to treat non-life-threatening injuries.

Farmer is set to make his initial appearance in court Monday, September 28th, before Magistrate Judge Trent Belnap.