Florida Man In Puppy Costume Strangled Youth Outside Pet Store

A 46-year-old employee at a Florida puppy store allegedly strangled a juvenile he had an ongoing dispute with, while wearing an inflatable puppy costume. Rodney Platthy, a registered sex offender, was outside the Sunshine Puppies store in Clearwater when multiple juveniles rode by on bicycles. Platthy, who appeared intoxicated, waved the juveniles over and was joined by the store owner. As one youth tried to ride away, Platthy approached from behind and placed the victim in a chokehold, briefly cutting off their breathing. Platthy was arrested for felony battery by strangulation. He has an extensive criminal record, including prior battery convictions and a 2013 sexual battery case that resulted in his sex offender status. (Smoking Gun)