Three arrests have been made and others are pending in connection with a shooting and dog fighting operation in the Yarbo area near Chatom, Saturday, Sept. 13.

According to Washington County Sheriff Richard Stringer, his department was alerted to the operation following a traffic stop on State Highway 17 South. As a result, deputies received information that an alleged armed robbery had taken place at a dog fighting arena in a heavily wooded and swampy area located in the Yarbo community.

Sometime around midnight, deputies converged on the area, where there had been reports of automatic gunfire, resulting in a Waynesboro, Miss. man being shot in the abdomen. Two people also sustained head injuries during the altercation.

At the scene, which had to be accessed on foot, deputies found Bobby Glover, 32, who had been shot, along with Dandre Jermein Bailey, 31 and Christopher Audrey Fleming, 31, both of Mobile, who had been beaten. Glover was flown by helicopter to a Mobile hospital where he underwent emergency surgery for the gunshot wound. Bailey and Fleming were transported to the Washington County Hospital, where they were treated and released.

Upon their release, both men were placed under arrest in connection with the dog fighting event. Also arrested was Derrick D. Mitchell, 30, of Millry, who was charged with cruelty to animals.

Sheriff Richard Stringer said an arrest is anticipated in the near future of the person accused of shooting Glover. He added that other arrests connected to the dog fighting operation are also expected.

At the site of the dog fights, deputies found a blood smeared 20 by 20 feet arena and a dog pen, as well as approximately 25 folding chairs. "There were a lot of spent cartridges from automatic weapons and shotguns all over the ground," said Stringer. "We also found $100 in currency, indicating there was betting involved. We also confiscated $1,400 from the shooting victim."

The arena and pen were dismantled and confiscated as well. Stringer said clothes were and other personal items were found strewn all through the woods, indicating a large number of people fled the scene.

Perhaps the most disturbing discovery was made by Chief Deputy Terry Beasley, who found a young pit bulldog wounded and exhausted. "It was estimated that the dog was approximately a year old," said the sheriff. "The dog had a hole in his throat and was very fatigued. He was taken to a local veterinarian, but died later. I was told he died wagging his tail."

Stringer went on to say that warrants have been issued for others involved in the dog fighting operation. He said his department is working with the state attorney general's office concerning the case.

Dog fighting is a class C felony, not only for those conducting the operation, but also for those betting or participating as spectators. "We hope to send a message that all those involved may face charges," added Stringer.

Deputy Ferrell Grimes is serving as the lead investigator of the case. Millry Police assisted deputies Saturday night.