The man charged with shooting a dog in Vinegar Hill Jan. 17 has been charged with animal cruelty and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Aquinta Shamar Simmons, 27, was arrested Thursday on charges of felony cruelty to animals and possession of a firearm by a felon. His bond was set at $100,000 secured, according to detention center reports. His address was listed as 2519 Chadbourn Hwy., Best Mobile Home Park, Whiteville.
The sheriff’s office reported that deputies were called to 1865 Vinegar Hill Road in Clarendon Jan. 17 after William Hardee said someone he knew shot his dog.
Simmons allegedly went to the home, pulled into the driveway, and shot the brown and tan dog in the right front paw with a 9mm handgun. Simmons then left the scene. The report did not say why he was at the home, or if there had been a conflict between the individuals.
Simmons sentenced to 12 months supervised probation in July 2022 for possession of a firearm by a felon – again a 9mm handgun. He pleaded guilty and saw his sentence of 12 to 24 months in prison reduced to supervised probation.
The injured dog survived the shooting.
