Police have arrested a man accused of attacking a security guard on Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in downtown Ho Chi Minh City after a confrontation over an unmuzzled dog, authorities said Friday.

The suspect, Tuong Chi Huy, 26, was taken into custody on charges of intentional infliction of injury, according to District 1 police after prosecutors had approved an emergency arrest warrant.

The altercation unfolded around 9:15 am on Thursday, when Huy and his girlfriend, Paris E., 32, a U.S. citizen, were walking on the popular promenade. 

Her unleashed and unmuzzled dog jumped to the ground and ran loose, prompting a security guard, identified as N.X.C., to approach the couple and remind them of the park’s rules.

Authorities said the guard tapped the dog’s head with a plastic baton, which led Paris E. to shout at him and hit him. 

Huy then stepped in and pushed the security guard.

In response, the guard retrieved an iron rod from a planter and used it to threaten Huy. 

Police said Huy wrestled the rod away and struck the guard on the head, knocking him to the ground.

Bystanders and officials from the Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street and Public Park Management Center administered first aid and took the injured guard to a hospital. 

Huy and Paris E. were detained at the scene.

Authorities reviewed surveillance footage, interviewed witnesses, and examined evidence before issuing the arrest warrant. 

A sign outlining pet restrictions was visible near the scene, police said.

Officials also confirmed Huy has a prior conviction for robbery.

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