The search warrant filed in the Stack Powell Road dogfighting case suggests possible ties to Maryland.

Detective J. Sealey of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, the lead investigator in the case, confirmed today that the investigation continues. He said he is working with Maryland authorities on the matter after two vehicles with dealer tags from that state were located at the scene the morning of the raid.

The search warrant paints a bloody picture at 1045 Stack Powell Road, which is outside of Roanoke Rapids.

The tip and raid

Major Bruce Temple of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous call regarding dogfighting on the property of Erica Gary. Mrs. Gary, her husband Elton and son Zhaqwaun all face dogfighting and marijuana charges stemming from the April 7 raid.

Sergeant R. Keeton, according to the search warrant, advised that as he approached there was a large number of vehicles in the yard and he could tell the lights of the shed behind the residence were on.

People began running from the shed as he pulled in and someone yelled, “Get the hell out of here.”

Keeton spoke first to Zhaqwaun Gary, who said the shed and residence belonged to his mother. Keeton explained to Mrs. Gary why he was at the scene and asked if he could search the shed. Mrs. Gary allowed him to do so.

The scene

Inside, Keeton noticed a carpeted floor with half of a wooden, hinged ring and the other half on the floor. He noticed fresh blood on the carpet and on one of the wooden walls of the ring.

He observed two sponges with blood on them and a 10-gallon bucket that contained a white, bloody liquid believed to be water.

Halifax County Animal Control Officer Robert Richardson advised investigators the ring and carpet were consistent with dogfighting.

Behind the shed

Behind the shed was a privacy fence with several chained dogs appearing to be pit bulls, the warrant said. There was fresh blood on the gate of the fence and a canine carrier with blood inside.

Behind the carrier was a wooden treadmill with chain hooks that is common in dogfighting. The bucket was bloody, the search warrant said, because the water was used to wipe the dogs before they fought to ensure no chemical was present to aid the dogs in the fight.

Maryland vehicles and items seized

Noted in the search warrant was the presence of two vehicles on the premises, both bearing Maryland dealer tags.

Inside the white GMC vehicle was a pet carrier similar to the one found in the fenced-in area.

Also found in the GMC was a dexamethasone vial, a bottle of Sore No More, a Pelouze scale, a white bag with a dog bowl, a bottle of honey, Instinct Boost Dog Food, the pet carrier, a weight attached to a chain, several phones, an iPad mini, assorted harnesses and weight belt.

John Goodwin, director of animal cruelty policy and the animal rescue team for the Humane Society of the United States, said the dexamethasone is a commonly used steroid to treat shock. He said the honey was most likely used as an energy booster.

In an Acura with Maryland dealer tags, officers found canine shot records, veterinary records, a scale, harness and two weighted belts.

The inventory of items seized from the shed include:

• Two cotton swabs of blood collected from the wooden pen as well as the four sections of the pen

• A book bag containing a Pelouze scale

• Two more scales

• Two plastic bags containing D3 needles

• Two bloody sponges

• A bag containing syringes

• Peroxide bottle, alcohol bottle, vial of lincomycin, dexamethasone, a gallon of vitamin D milk

• Two five-gallon buckets, two bloody carpets, wooden slat treadmill, bloody towel, bloody sweatshirt, bloody camouflage jumpsuit, leather dog harness, liquid soap and performance-enhancing vitamins.

Zhaqwaun’s laptop was seized as well as assorted pictures, pedigrees, magazines and other canine documents from his parents’ room.