Man arrested in dog beating

Police have charged a Kona man with felony offenses after arresting him for allegedly beating his dog.

According to police, a Kona patrol officer saw a man repeatedly punching his dog in a car on Palihiolo Street in Kealakekua on Monday. The man, 23-year-old Joshua White, was wanted for an Oct. 7 car theft from a body shop on Maiau Street in Kailua-Kona.

Police called the Humane Society, who took the dog.

White was charged Tuesday with felony cruelty to animals, auto theft and first-degree theft. His bail was set at $45,000.

His initial court appearance is scheduled for today.