NC: 3rd NC dog fighting suspect surrenders to authorities

By CBS North Carolina Published: August 24, 2016, 11:12 am

ROANOKE RAPIDS, N.C. (WNCN) – The third suspect in a Halifax County dog fighting ring surrendered to authorities late Tuesday, officials said.

On August 17, a detective went to the Five Points area of Roanoke Rapids on a tip about dog fighting.

The detective found nine pit bulls tethered by short, heavy chains in the woods. Officials said the dogs were malnourished, and had wounds and scars consistent with dog fighting.

A wooden fighting ring was also found near the dogs along with syringes and various dog medications.

A 10th dog was found when a search warrant was later executed.

Shavonte Simmons, 21, Niqwan Johnson, 22, Daquinn Blount, 21, all of Roanoke Rapids were charged in connection with the investigation.

Simmons and Johnson surrendered Aug. 19. Blunt surrendered Aug. 23, officials said.

Simmons and Johnson were each charged with four counts of dog fighting, four counts of dog baiting, four counts of cruelty to animals, four counts of instigating cruelty to animals, and four counts of restraining dogs in a cruel manner.

Blount was charged with five counts of dog fighting, five counts of dog baiting, five counts of cruelty to animals, five counts of instigating cruelty to animals, and five counts of restraining dogs in a cruel manner.

All three received a $10,000 bond each.

http://wncn.com/2016/08/24/3rd-nc-dog-fighting-suspect-surrenders-to-authorities/