JCSO Investigating Case Of Alleged Dognapping And Assault

SMITHFIELD – Investigators with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office are looking for four suspects wanted for questioning following an alleged dognapping case that turned into a violent assault.

It happened on July 9. A 25 year-old man noticed his dog missing from his home off NC Highway 210 outside of Smithfield. A short time later, he received a phone call from an unknown person claiming to have his dog, and if he paid $300 the dog would be returned.

The victim agreed to meet the caller at an undisclosed location. After arriving, he was assaulted by four unknown males. The victim sustained severe lacerations during the alleged assault. The man was also able to rescue his dog.

No further details were disclosed.