10 accused of roles in alleged Elizabeth dog fighting ring

ELIZABETH (AP) -- Authorities say they have broken up a dog fighting ring in Elizabeth.

Union County Prosecutor Grace Park say a multiagency probe culminated with the arrest of 10 people on Saturday night.

Some of the suspects were arrested at an Elizabeth home, while the rest were charged after police stopped a van near the residence. They were charged with fighting or baiting animals and could face up to five years in prison if convicted.

Arrested were: Shaquille Mars, 19, Leon King, 20, Rahman Johnson, 20, Tamir Norville, 21, George Parker, Jr., 22, Larry Polanco, 28, Shakemah Lytle-Johnson, 32, Algernon Norville, 36, and Nathaniel Thompson, 64, all Elizabeth residents. Also arrested was Rashadik Johnson, 21, of Irvington.

Authorities say 17 dogs overall were found in the home and the vehicle, including several with obvious injuries. Most of the animals were being kept in small, dirty steel or plastic cages. Inside the home was a treadmill, which authorities say was used to build up the dogs' endurance levels in preparation for fights, and a dog fighting ring stained with blood.

The rescued dogs were being evaluated by veterinarians and are in custody of the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals which expects the dogs to be be placed in rehabilitative care elsewhere.

Park says the dog fighting is a criminal offense in New Jersey which carries a three-to-five year senetnce.

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