Eighteen people were arrested in Whitley County Saturday night after police received a tip that illegal dog fighting was taking place at a Churubusco home.

According to a police report, police obtained a search warrant for a home in the 900 block of East SR 205 in Churubusco after an initial investigation and raided the home Saturday night. At 11 p.m., Edward “Eddie” E. Smith, 36, was the first to be taken into custody at his home.

Police say Smith and 17 other people were arrested when they found an injured and bloody pit bull type dog inside a fighting ring in Smith’s garage. Two other dogs were also located at the home, including a second pit bull type dog that was injured and bloody. A younger dog was found with no injuries.

All three animals were taken by the Whitley County Humane Shelter.

All those arrested have been charged with attending an animal fighting contest, a class A misdemeanor, and are being held on $4,000 bonds. Class A misdemeanors in Indiana carry a maximum of one-year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.

Those arrested and charged are:

Edward “Eddie” E. Smith, 36, and Robert A. Stouder, 32, both of Churubusco

Marco C. Sole, 39; Excell L. Hazzard, 44; Rudolph H. Allen, 53; Mack A. Tucker, 41, all of Chicago, Ill.

Alvegas R. Nelson, 31; John L. Patrick, 29; Kordi S. Williams, 41, all of Joliet, Ill.

Chante L. Houlden, 33, and Dwise R. Radcliffe, Sr., 41, both of Harvey, Ill

Cortez A. Flowers, 37, of East Chicago, Ind.

John J. Abram, 32, of Lansing, Ill.

Alden C. Parsons, 80, of Evanston, Ill.

Donaver L. Jones, 42, of Gary, Ind.

Darrell G. Thames, 50, and Bambi Sue Langon, 46, both of Three Rivers, Mich.

Marlin L. Mitchell, 46, of Matteson, Ill.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending. According to WANE-TV, all of the accused are due in court for an initial appearance on Wednesday, Jan. 3.