NPSO: 1 arrested, 1 on the run in alleged dog fighting ring

NATCHITOCHES PARISH, LA (KSLA) - One person is behind bars and another on the run after Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office busted an alleged dog fighting ring over the weekend.

According to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office, 13 dogs were rescued when a deputy was executing a search warrant and found evidence of a dog fighting operation.

Ronald Payne Jr. 44, of the 1500 block of Pauline Street in Natchitoches, was arrested and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on August 5. Payne is charged with dogfighting, cruelty to animals, possession of marijuana, 2nd offense, illegal possession of a firearm and probation violation.

Investigators say 37-year-old Kerry Turman Kahey fled into the woods before he could be taken into custody.

Payne is wanted on a warrant for dogfighting, cruelty to animals, possession of marijuana and illegal possession of a stolen firearm.

Payne's address is listed as being in the 100 block of Rock Creek Road in Marthaville, Louisiana. Investigators say he has ties to the Natchitoches and Sabine Parish areas.

He has tattoos on his right arm, left forearm and left arm.

If you see Kahey, contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office at 352-6432 or your local law enforcement agency.

Animal control officers say there is little to no scarring on the dogs, but they are skinny.

The dogs are reportedly friendly toward humans, but workers with animal control say they do attack other dogs.

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