Iguana Hunter Arrested for Shooting Duck at Boca Raton Preschool

Arash Raffaty Javidan faces felony charge of aggravated animal cruelty after incident on school grounds

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:05am

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A 29-year-old man who claimed to be an 'iguana hunter' was arrested in Boca Raton, Florida after he was caught shooting a Muscovy duck behind a local preschool. Arash Raffaty Javidan was charged with a third-degree felony of aggravated animal cruelty after deputies found the wounded duck suffering on the pavement. A veterinary necropsy revealed the duck had been hit by multiple pellets and endured prolonged suffering before Javidan was instructed to humanely kill the animal.

Why it matters

The incident raised immediate safety concerns for children and staff at the preschool, as Javidan was observed walking the school grounds armed with a pellet rifle. It also highlights the challenges communities face with invasive species like iguanas, and the need for proper protocols and oversight when dealing with wildlife on private property.

The details

According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to the scene after a witness spotted Javidan and alerted the school. Javidan identified himself as operating 'AJ Javidan Iguana Hunters' but admitted he did not have permission to be on the property. Investigators found the wounded duck on the pavement and a veterinary necropsy determined it had been hit by at least five metal pellets, including wounds to the head, beak, and wing. The duck likely sustained multiple non-fatal injuries and experienced significant suffering before the final headshot was delivered.

  • The incident took place behind La Petite Academy on Calle Comercio during active school hours on March 11, 2026.
  • Javidan was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail on March 11, 2026 and released on a $1,000 bond later that day.

The players

Arash Raffaty Javidan

A 29-year-old resident of Blue Fin Trail in Boca Raton who was arrested and charged with a third-degree felony of aggravated animal cruelty.

La Petite Academy

The preschool located on Calle Comercio in Boca Raton where the incident took place.

Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the scene and arrested Javidan.

Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control

The agency that performed a veterinary necropsy on the Muscovy duck.

Dr. Russell Landon Baxley

The veterinarian who determined the duck had been hit by multiple pellets and experienced prolonged suffering.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in Boca Raton and put children at risk.”

— Robert Jenkins, Boca Raton resident (BocaNewsNow.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Arash Raffaty Javidan to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for better oversight and protocols when it comes to managing invasive species like iguanas, as well as the importance of respecting private property boundaries and ensuring the safety of children, especially in sensitive locations like schools.