An Axton man was arrested Friday after allegedly beating his two dogs and later assaulting deputies during an attempted arrest.
Luis Antonio Bacerra-Eames, 26, was charged with two felony counts of animal cruelty, two felony counts of assault on a law enforcement officer in connection with the alleged incident. He also is charged with a misdemeanor count of resisting arrest. He is currently being held without bond at the Henry County Adult Detention Center.
On May 16, deputies from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Division responded to a complaint of animal cruelty at 131 Kimway Drive in Axton. The caller reported that the resident had been seen beating his two pit bull mix dogs with a baseball bat, punching them, and striking one with a large rock.
Deputies arrived at the residence to check on the well-being of the animals. While assessing the situation, the suspect exited the home. After a brief conversation, deputies informed him he was under arrest. Bacerra-Eames allegedly tried to flee and resisted, leading to an altercation with deputies.
During the altercation, Bacerra-Eames allegedly bit one deputy twice and struck another multiple times with his elbow before he was subdued and taken into custody. He was transported to SOVAH Health Martinsville for treatment of minor injuries and later released into law enforcement custody.
The two dogs were removed from the property and will be evaluated by a veterinarian. They are currently being housed at the Henry County Animal Shelter.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (276) 638-8751 or CrimeStoppers at 63-CRIME (632-7463). CrimeStoppers offers rewards of up to $2,500 depending on the nature of the crime and the value of the information provided.
