Muncie man charged in dog fighting

MUNCIE, Ind. (WISH) - A Muncie man was arrested Thursday after more than two dozen pit bulls were seized from a mobile home last week.

Muncie Police Department confirmed Rahsaan Johnson, 36, 1703 N. Brady, Muncie, was arrested Thursday morning in connection with the seized dogs. He faces preliminary charges of purchase/possession of animals for fighting, neglect of an animal, possession of animal fighting paraphernalia and animal cruelty.

According to the probable cause affidavit, MPD said they were tipped off March 20 to Johnson’s alleged involvement in dog fighting when the U.S. Customs Department and Indianapolis Airport Police officials alerted them that he had picked up pit bulls shipped from the Dominican Republic.

Then, on March 29, the Muncie animal shelter called MPD regarding animal abuse at a mobile home on North Blaine Street. Police took away 25 pit bulls from the home. Many of the dogs had injuries consistent with dog fighting. One dog had to be put down Tuesday due to severe injuries and a skull fracture.

Also removed from the property that day were items used to train dogs to fight, including weighted dog collars, pet supplements and special treadmills, including documents in Johnson’s name, according to court documents. Police also spoke with the owner of the property, who leased it to Johnson.

Since then, MPD had been looking for Johnson, and arrested him Thursday.