LAWRENCE — Drunk and irate over his neighbors putting up a 3-foot pool, Carl Wilkins of Boxford Street released a dog into their common backyard, and the Doberman pinscher bit a man in the buttocks Monday night, police said.
Meanwhile, Wilkins' wife, Tammy Coutre, yelled racial insults at the five kids and seven adults who gathered around the pool at 55 Boxford St. just before 8 p.m., police said.
Wilkins, 42, of 53 Boxford St., also threatened to burn down the blue pool his neighbors put up as they prepared for a July 4 party later this week, police said.
"I'll get you, I'll get you," and "After this, I'm gonna burn down your pool," said an "extremely intoxicated" Wilkins, according to a report written by Patrolman John Tully.
Wilkins was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, his dog; seven counts of assault by means of a dangerous weapon, his dog; and threatening to commit a crime. He was arraigned yesterday morning and is expected to be back at Lawrence District Court on Aug. 12 for a pre-trial conference.
He answered the door at his home yesterday afternoon, but a woman quickly intervened saying "You ain't talking to no damn newspaper." She quickly shut the door.
The dog was placed under house quarantine, police said.
Meanwhile, yesterday afternoon, the pool at 55 Boxford St. remained intact. Family members put up the pool on Sunday night, with permission from the landlord, because they are expecting visitors from New York for the July 4 holiday, said Jessica O'Brien, 20.
Monday evening, she said, a visibly drunken Wilkins came into the yard and started threatening both the adults and children.
"He's been here three years, and he thinks he owns the backyard," O'Brien said.
According to Tully's report, it was Wilkins' wife, Coutre, 35, who first came out of the house and started complaining about the pool and referring to them as "a bunch of (expletives)." The neighbors immediately protested her language, and then Wilkins came into the yard, yelling and making threats, police said.
Then Wilkins let the Doberman, who was unleashed and not wearing a muzzle, into the yard.
Alberto Rosario, 38, of 55 Boxford St., was bit by the dog, although the bite did not break the skin. He refused medical treatment, police said.
Meanwhile, Wilkins took the dog inside the house and fled the area.
The dog is owned by Deborah Coutre, 53, who also lives at 53 Boxford St.
A neighbor said the canine is not a neighborhood problem.
"Every time I see him, he's very friendly," said Angelica Romero, 16, of 67 Boxford St.
She said she heard arguing down the street Monday night and saw an ambulance arrive.
Just before 2 yesterday, the animal control officer seized 16 cats that were living in the Coutre/Wilkins household. Police described the exchange as "cooperative."
But yesterday, after he was released from court, O'Brien said Wilkins threw empty beer bottles into the common yard.
"He causes problems, and she's a racist," she said of her neighbors. "Right now, we are just waiting. If the problems continue, we will move out."
