Caught on camera: Fresno man in wheelchair beats dog

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A disturbing case of animal abuse caught the attention of Fresno police after video was posted to social media.

WARNING: This footage contains material that some viewers may find disturbing due to explicit language and/or the graphic nature of the material.

Investigators say Leon Scherf beat his dog several times in the head and it couldn't get away because its leash was attached to his wheelchair. Police say the man struck the dog several times with a closed fist near Kern and B streets in Southwest Fresno. Cellphone video caught the whole thing.

Investigators were told Scherf often beats the dog. The animal has since been taken to the local SPCA where its injuries will be evaluated. Scherf faces one charge of animal cruelty.