Editor’s Note: The details in this story may be disturbing to some. Viewer’s discretion is advised. 

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida man is behind bars after several witnesses reported seeing him brutally abusing his dog at a gas station last week.

Video released by the Volusia Sheriff’s Office appears to show Jose Rivera, 31, of Deltona, beating the animal before a witness intervened and was able to get the dog away from him.

The video shows the dog running to nearby bystanders before it cuts to a man putting Rivera in a chokehold as multiple bystanders work to stop him from getting the dog out of a car before deputies arrived.

That man, Raymon Prush, told local news outlet WESH that what he witnessed was “ridiculous.”

“The dog just turned its head to smell the tire, and he yanked the dog and hit the dog in the face with the chain,” Prush said. He said things escalated and Rivera began whipping the dog with a chain several times until it broke.

“She was running scared,” Prush added. “But she — I don’t know how many times she received these beatings. It was like she wasn’t defending yourself against this. She was just receiving.”

In a second video released by authorities from a body-worn camera, seen above, a deputy is seen arriving on the scene and telling Rivera to sit on a curb. After multiple warnings, Rivera is then placed into handcuffs. It then cuts to Rivera being placed in the back of a squad car.

The Volusia Sheriff’s Office has also accused Rivera of punching Prush and injuring other witnesses.

According to authorities, Rivera has been charged with felony animal cruelty, resisting an officer, child abuse, and three counts of battery for attacking the witnesses. Volusia County Jail records show Rivera remains in custody on a $51,000 bond.

“This guy’s got a problem with his anger,” Prush added. “And, you know, I’m very, very proud of the residents of Deltona that saw what was happening. I mean, as young as 13 knew, we got to do something here where this dog could end up dead.”

Officials said the dog is “doing OK” and was turned over to Deltona Animal Control, before being placed in a safe home with Rivera’s ex-girlfriend, who no longer has any relationship with him, according to WESH.