GAINESVILLE—Three men are behind bars facing assault charges for fighting with a 55-year-old man and shooting his dog Sunday.
Hall County Sheriff's Deputy Nicole Bailes said three people, 52-year-old Dwayne Motes, 27-year-old Matthew Motes and 28-year-old Nicholas Motes (a father and two sons), drove into the area of Charles Speer's home "aggressively" on Benson Drive and hit Speer's truck.
"The dog was in the victim's vehicle, and they shot at the dog from their car. Ultimately...the dog did die from the injuries," said Bailes.
Alcohol is believed to be involved.
"They live relatively close to one another, and I believe the dog was an issue for (the Motes). There was mention that maybe the dog had attacked Dwayne Motes, but there was no evidence that would support that," said Bailes.
Speer sustained head injuries from the altercation, but refused treatment at the scene.
Dwayne Motes faces one count each of battery, second degree criminal damage to property, criminal trespass, cruelty to animals, shooting a gun from the roadway, possession, wreckless conduct, public drunkenness and possession of a gun by a convected felon.
"Both the brothers, Matthew and Nicholas, were charged with the same charges with the exception of the 'possession of a gun by a convicted felon' charge," said Bailes.
The elder Motes had been convicted on charges of aggravated assault on a police officer in the past.
All three were booked into the Hall County jail, with no bond at last report.
