POLICE: PCAPS workers allegedly threatened when checking on 'flea

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) -- A South Peoria man was arrested after allegedly threatening Peoria County Animal Protection Services employees with a knife.

James William Brazee, 54, was arrested on charges of aggravated assault and nine counts of animal cruelty, said police spokeswoman Semone Roth.

Officers with the Peoria Police Department were called to the 2600 block of West Garden Street to a report of a man armed with a knife threatening the PCAPS employees, she said.

When officers arrived, they learned PCAPS was called to the home on reports of malnourished dogs, Roth said.

The animal protection employees then allegedly found five dogs and four puppies which all appeared to be malnourished, covered in fleas, had sores and living in "poor conditions," she said.

Brazee then came out of th