Philip Samuel Mercon, 26, was detained early on Saturday morning after a witness said they saw him sexually abusing a dog in their neighbor's yard in Bellmead, Texas

A Texas veteran tried to run from police after he was allegedly spotted assaulting his neighbor's dog.

Philip Samuel Mercon, 26, was detained early on Saturday morning after a witness said they saw him sexually abusing a dog in their neighbor's yard in Bellmead, Texas. He is married with children, according to Facebook.

Local police found Mercon - who is a former 3D Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems specialist - in the backyard with the dog - described as being mixed breed and medium size.

Mercon was said to have immediately let the dog go when he saw police and attempted to run off, but police were able to detain him.

The dog was given back to its owner so that they could get care for it, Lt. Kory Martin said to the Waco Tribune.

Local police found Mercon in the backyard with the dog - described as being mixed breed and medium size (the area where they all live)

Mercon was charged with bestiality, evading arrest and criminal trespass

He added that there have been no recorded injuries for the dog.

Mercon was charged with bestiality, evading arrest and criminal trespass. He was booked in the McLennan County Jail and was later released on $8,000 bond.

He could face up to two years in jail.

In September 2017, Gov. Greg Abbott signed into action an anti-bestiality law, making the act illegal.