MESSAGE FROM PROSECUTOR SHERRI BEVAN WALSH

Contact:  April Wiesner

(330) 643-8386

Pit Bull Owner Sentenced to Two Years in Prison

(October 4, 2011… Akron) … Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh announced today that James O. Henderson, 48, of W. Hopocan Avenue in Barberton, pled guilty late yesterday to Felonious Assault, a second-degree felony.

An inebriated Henderson was walking his pit bull in Barberton on June 17, 2011, when the dog attempted to attack the victim’s puppy. The pit bull, although on a leash, was not properly restrained. The victim was able to pick up his puppy before the pit bull could reach it and informed Henderson that he needed to keep better control of his dog before walking away.

Henderson followed the victim, threatening to sic his dog on the victim and his puppy. The victim then identified himself as an off-duty highway patrol officer and showed his badge, to no effect on Henderson. Henderson continued to swear at the victim and threaten a dog attack. He then released his pit bull, and the victim drew his weapon and shot the charging pit bull in the head.

Visiting Judge Ted Schneiderman sentenced Henderson to two years in prison.

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