MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Police investigating a theft in north Memphis took eight people into custody after they found drugs, guns and three dogs starving to death.
Officers were called to the 600-block of Leath Street near Jackson Avenue and Manassas Street around 10:45 a.m. on Monday, October 8. When they arrived, a neighbor told offices several items were stolen from his home and he had seen his belongings being taken to the house on Leath.
As police approached the house they noticed a strong smell of marijuana as a man ran inside. Two other men came out and tried to detain the officers as several other people were seen running around inside. Police ordered everyone to come outside, four men and four women. The theft victim saw several of his stolen belongings in plain view inside the house.
An MPD drug dog was called to the scene and indicated the presence of drugs in an SUV parked out front and several areas within the home. After a search of the home and vehicle police found glass crack pipes, two guns, ammunition, two digital scales, nearly $3,000 in cash and 63 Oxycodone pills from an online prescription under someone else's name.
Officers also found three pit bulls in a back room without food or water. They noted the dogs appeared extremely malnourished and were unable to stand up on their own.
Memphis police made the following arrests on charges of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Manufacture/Deliver/Distribute, Possession of a Firearm, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia:
- Donald Fields, 32; $200,000 bond
- Albert Parham, 30; $75,000 bond
- Shirley Carter, 53; $60,000 bond
- Shanreka Lovelady, 33; $70,000 bond
- Lucy Young, 43; $60,000 bond
- Damon Echols, 20; $75,000 bond
- Gina Wiggins, 48; $75,000 bond
- Michael Pruitt, 42; $75,000 bond
