Police and SPCA officials spent two hours photographing, cataloging and hauling out what they said was evidence of dog fighting -- including a 10-foot-square wooden fighting "pit" -- from the basement of 326 E. King St.
They also carried out a female pit bull that was found tied to a bench in the darkened basement, her high-pitched whimpers audible from the sidewalk in front of the building. She appeared to have fight scars on her ears and an open wound on her paw.
Approximately one month later, York City Police filed animal cruelty and other charges against Kalief Watkins, who lived in the building and who police allege was responsible for the dog fighting.
He was declared a fugitive June 3, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
At 1:30 a.m. Thursday (Dec 23, 2004), Watkins was arrested and arraigned on the outstanding charges after York County sheriff's deputies tracked him down to one of his former addresses, where he apparently is living again.
Items seized: Watkins, 29, now of 905 W. King St., is charged with cruelty to animals/animal fighting -- a third-degree felony -- as well as possession of marijuana and illegally possessing a firearm. Police said they found drugs and a rifle when they raided the basement and Watkins' first-floor apartment. As a convicted felony drug dealer, he is prohibited from owning firearms, police said.
Watkins spent the night in York County Prison and was released Friday after posting $4,000 bail.
During the Feb. 11 raid, investigators also seized a dog-weighing scale, harnesses, dog chains, peroxide, syringes and latex gloves. After dismantling the hinged wooden fight arena, they carried that out as well. The boards are stained with what police suspect is dog's blood.
Humane officers from the York County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals assisted during the raid, and took the 4-year-old pit bull back to their Thomasville shelter. Case UpdatesKalief Watkins has pleaded guilty to animal fighting, firearms and marijuana charges for being involved in dog fighting. Officials said Watkins agreed to a two- to four-year prison sentence in a plea agreement to avoid trial on animal cruelty charges.
Police and officers of the York County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals searched Watkins' house in February 2004 after receiving reports of an underfed pit bull.
Officials said they found the dog, a dog-fighting pit with traces of blood, dog-fighting equipment, medications and syringes.
Police said a small amount of marijuana and a rifle with a clip and ammunition also were seized.
Watkins is free on $54,000 bail pending sentencing Nov. 18. | Source: WGAL - Sept 8, 2005
Update posted on Sep 8, 2005 - 10:56AM |
References« Back to Search Results Note: Classifications and other fields should not be used to determine what specific charges the suspect is facing or was convicted of - they are for research and statistical purposes only. The case report and subsequent updates outline the specific charges. Charges referenced in the original case report may be modified throughout the course of the investigation or trial, so case updates, when available, should always be considered the most accurate reflection of charges. For more information regarding classifications and usage of this database, please visit the database notes and disclaimer.
|
