Dog-fighting Lawrence, MA (US) Incident Date: Monday, Jul 3, 2006 County: Essex Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Charges: Felony CTA Alleged: » Alicia Lugo » Jonathan Delarosa » Joshua Pena » 16 year old male Case Updates: 2 update(s) available

Case ID: 9204 Classification: Fighting Animal: dog (pit-bull) View more cases in MA (US) Login to Watch this Case

Police investigating a house suspected of being used as a dogfighting training ground arrested four Lawrence residents after a scuffle there with teens who attacked them, police said.

Alicia Lugo, 43, Jonathan Delarosa, 17, Joshua Pena, 17, and a 16-year-old juvenile male were arrested on July 3 on charges including promoting animal fighting, animal cruelty and assault and battery.

Police chief John Romero said police investigated after neighbors told police that pit bulls were frequently picked up and dropped off at the house, and one neighbor found a pit bull skull in the yard last month.

"The thought was they may be training the pit bulls for fighting," Romero told The Eagle-Tribune of Lawrence.

"With these pit bulls coming and going, something's going on, and we need to get to the bottom of it," he said.

Lugo and her two sons, Delarosa and the juvenile, arrived at the house shortly after police arrived, but quickly walked toward a rear door when police began questioning them.

Officer Carmen Purpora tried to reach into the house to grab Delarosa, but someone slammed the glass door on him, cutting his hand and forearm, police said. Purpora later needed six stitches.

Police said they were forced to use pepper spray to subdue Lugo and Delarosa after Delarosa swung at the officers and Lugo kicked, screamed and spit at them. Police said Pena was also screaming and grabbing at them and that the juvenile threatened to kill an officer.

Police took custody of two pit bulls who were tied to the front door. The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals could help police get a warrant to search the home, and police have asked for their assistance, Romero said.

The three suspects are scheduled for arraignment July 5 in Lawrence District Court. The juvenile is scheduled to be arraigned July 5 in Lawrence Juvenile Court.

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References

	Boston Globe - July 5, 2006
	WHDH - July 5, 2006

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