Creston Police report - May 17, 2024
May 17—Elda S. Lemus, 35, of Creston, was taken into custody 8 a.m. May 15 at her residence on a Union County warrant for the charge of animal neglect with serious injury or death.
According to a Creston Police report, at approximately 4:42 p.m. April 22, a small dog was reported to be neglected in a kennel outside of Lemus's residence. The dog was found in a wire kennel which had not been cleaned out and the dog's coat was stained from laying in its own excretion. The kennel contained food but no water. Initially the dog was believed to be dead but was not. It had wounds containing maggots and was immediately taken to the vet for emergency care. While at the vet, the dog passed away. The dog was believed to be approximately 5 months old and had little to no muscle mass.
Lemus said the dog was to be cared for by an 8-year-old at the residence and she was not able to tell officers when she had last checked on the dog to ensure it was being cared for.
Lemus was transported to the Union County Jail where she was released from after posting $2,000 cash or surety bond.
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Samantha L. Hays, 39, of Creston, was taken into custody 10:12 p.m. May 16, in the 600 block of North Maple Street on the charges of domestic abuse assault, second offense and public intoxication.
According to a Creston Police report, officers responded to a reported domestic assault. When they arrived, the suspect, identified as Hays, had left the scene. The victim told officers Hays was intoxicated and had slapped the victim in the face, which left a visible mark. Officers left the residence and were called back when Hays went back to the residence.
Officers made contact with Hays in a public hallways of the building. She was observed to have slurred speech, impaired balance, the odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from her breath and made statements about consuming alcohol earlier. She refused a PBT.
Hays has a previous domestic assault conviction in September 2022, in Union County.
Hayes was transported to the Clarke County Jail where she was released from after posting 10% of a $1,300 cash bond.
