On October 1, 2013 members from the DeFuniak Springs Police received a report that a dog had been intentionally cut in the area of North 9th Avenue. Officers responded to the area where they made contact with the owner of the dog. The owner was able to give officers a description of the suspect and last known direction of travel.
It was determined the suspect entered onto private property where the animal and its owner were. When the animal began to bark, the owner advised the suspect that the animal wouldn’t bite. The suspect responded by stating, “I am not trying to steal anything” and took an unknown object out of his pocket and cut the animal across its snout.
Officers were able to locate the suspect, identified as Bennie L. Matthews, 52 years of age, of DeFuniak Springs in the area of 11th Street and Burdick Avenue. After further investigation, to include a positive identification by the owner, Mathews was transported to the Walton County Corrections Facility to face the charge of “Cruelty to Animals”.
DeFuniak Springs Police would like to remind their citizens, if they have any information on any criminal activity, or notice something suspicious to call the non-emergency dispatch phone number (850) 892-8513 and if they want to remain anonymous they can leave a message on DeFuniak Springs Police TIP LINE 850-910-TIPS (8477).
Lieutenant Tilman Mears
Criminal Investigations Division Commander
mearstf@defuniakspringspolice.net