AXTON, Va. (rbs news now) — An Axton man is facing multiple charges after abusing his dogs and assaulting deputies who responded to investigate.

On May 16, deputies responded to a report of animal cruelty at a residence in the 100 block of Kimway Drive in Axton.

The complaint said that the resident had been beating his two dogs with a baseball bat, punching them, and striking one with a large rock.

When deputies arrived to assess the situation, the resident, 26-year-old Luis Antonio Bacerra-Eames, came outside.

When deputies informed Bacerra-Eames he was under arrest, he attempted to flee and resisted arrest, which led to a physical altercation.

During the struggle, Bacerra-Eames bit one deputy twice and struck another deputy multiple times with his elbow before being subdued, according to Sheriff Wayne Davis.

Bacerra-Eames was taken to SOVAH Health in Martinsville for treatment of minor injuries before being transported to the Henry County Adult Detention Center, where he is currently being held without bond.

He has been charged with:

• Two felony counts of animal cruelty
• Two felony counts of assault on a law enforcement officer
• One misdemeanor count of resisting arrest

Sheriff Davis said the two dogs, both pit bull mixes, were taken into custody and are being evaluated by a veterinarian.

They will be housed at the Henry County Animal Shelter.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at 276-638-8751 or Crime Stoppers at 276-632-7463.

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