Dog fighting investigation leads to 18 arrests

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Police in Whitley County acted on a tip that led to the arrest of 18 people alleged to have taken part in a dog fighting competition.

Friday, police received a tip of a dog fighting contest that was set to take place Saturday at a home in Churubusco.

Our sister station WANE reports police investigated and obtained a search warrant for a home in the 900 block of East State Road 205.

At 11 p.m. Saturday, police raided the home occupied by 36-year-old Edward "Eddie" E. Smith.

Smith and 17 additional individuals were taken into custody, according to the report.

Police said they found an injured and bloody pit bull type dog inside a fighting ring constructed of plywood in a garage. Two other dogs were located inside the home, including a second pit bull type dog that was injured and bleeding. A younger dog was found with no injuries.

All three animals were taken by the Whitley County Humane Shelter.

The following individuals were charged with attending an animal fighting contest, a class A misdemeanor. All are being held on $4,000 bond. Class A misdemeanors in Indiana carry a maximum of one-year in jail and a maximum fine of $5,000.

Marco C. Sole, 39, Chicago, IL

Alvegas R. Nelson, 31, Joliet, IL

Excell L. Hazzard, 44, Chicago, IL

John L. Patrick, 29, Joliet, IL

Chante L. Houlden, 33, Harvey, IL

Dwise R. Radcliffe, Sr., 41, Harvey, IL

Cortez A. Flowers, 37, East Chicago, IN

Kordi S. Williams, 41, Joliet, IL

John J. Abram, 32, Lansing, IL

Alden C. Parsons, 80, Evanston, IL

Robert A. Stouder, 32, Churubusco, IN

Donaver L. Jones, 42, Gary, IN

Darrell G. Thames, 50, Three Rivers, MI

Marlin L. Mitchell, 46, Matteson, IL

Rudolph H. Allen, 53, Chicago, IL

Mack A. Tucker, 41, Chicago, IL

Bambi Sue Langon, 46, Three Rivers, MI

Edward E. Smith, 36, Churubusco, IN

Police said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending. All of the accused are due in court for an initial appearance Wed. January 3.