According to court documents, Sagraves called 9-1-1 reporting there were two pit bulls in his backyard attacking his cat in the 300 block of North Burnett Road on Oct. 4. During the call, Sagraves said the dogs were his neighbor’s and he allegedly threatened to kill the dogs if police didn’t show up soon.
MORE: Springfield man accused of killing dog with baseball bat
The cat died during the incident, according to court records.
Three minutes later, police received a 9-1-1 call from the neighbor, identified as Lisa Marie Everhart, saying a man later identified as Sagraves allegedly broke into her house and hit her dog in the head with a wooden baseball bat, records showed.
A court affidavit indicated Everhart was visibly upset along with her young children, who were screaming and crying.
Everhart was charged with a misdemeanor for failing to confine her dogs.
Two other witnesses also saw the alleged attack, according to court documents.
“Both observed the defendant rush inside, raise a baseball bat above his head and hit the dog with all his might,” court records state.
Sagraves said he asked for permission to enter the house and Everhart said yes, however she disputes the claim. Sagraves also told police he hit the dog “out of self-defense,” according to court documents.
The baseball bat was recovered as evidence in the case and Everhart said the dog died from its injuries.
Sagraves has pleaded not guilty to aggravated burglary and cruelty to animals charges.
Everhart has yet to appear in court on her misdemeanor charge.
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