Renowned actor and singer Tyrese Gibson, best known for his roles in the Fast & Furious franchise, was booked into Fulton County Jail early Friday morning on a misdemeanor charge of cruelty to animals, authorities confirmed.
The arrest stems from a tragic incident last month in the upscale Buckhead neighborhood where one of Gibson’s four Cane Corso mastiffs allegedly fatally mauled a neighbor’s beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Gibson, 46, voluntarily turned himself in to the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office around 6 a.m., according to Capt. Nicole Dwyer of the Fulton County Police Department.
He posted a $20,000 bond shortly after and was released from custody later that morning. This marks the culmination of an ongoing investigation that began with multiple complaints about Gibson’s dogs roaming loose in the community.
The deadly encounter unfolded on September 18 in the Harrison Park area of Buckhead, when neighbors reported Gibson’s powerful Cane Corsos — a breed known for its strength and protective instincts — escaping his property and attacking the small spaniel during a walk.
The victim dog’s owner, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, rushed the injured pet to an emergency veterinary clinic, but it succumbed to its injuries despite medical intervention.
Fulton County Animal Services responded to the scene, documenting the attack and issuing Gibson a formal warning. Police records indicate this was not an isolated event; the dogs had been spotted running at large in the neighborhood at least five times in recent months, prompting prior notices from authorities.
On September 7, Gibson received a citation for failing to secure a special permit required for owning more than 10 dogs, though the exact number of animals on his property remains unclear.
Four days later, on September 22, officers and animal control personnel visited Gibson’s residence to enforce the surrender of the four Cane Corsos. According to the arrest warrant affidavit, Gibson, speaking by phone from the property, refused immediate compliance and requested additional time to make arrangements.
When he did not follow through, authorities obtained both a search warrant for the home and an arrest warrant for Gibson on the cruelty charge, citing his alleged negligence in controlling the animals.
“This incident has left me shocked, devastated, and heartbroken for the family affected,” Gibson wrote in a statement shared on his Instagram account shortly after the warrant was issued. 1 His legal team echoed the sentiment in a follow-up release, emphasizing that “Tyrese’s heart is truly broken, and he has been praying for the family constantly, hoping they may one day find it in their hearts to forgive him.”
The statement also noted that Gibson had been working cooperatively with prosecutors to secure a consent bond, allowing for his prompt release upon surrender.
Buckhead residents expressed a mix of shock and frustration over the news, with one longtime neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous, telling an Atlanta news station, “We’ve seen those big dogs running around before, but no one expected something like this. It’s heartbreaking for everyone involved — the poor little dog didn’t deserve that.” Community leaders have called for stricter enforcement of local leash laws and permitting requirements to prevent similar tragedies.
Gibson, a Georgia native who has long called metro Atlanta home, has not commented further since turning himself in
His next court appearance has not yet been scheduled, but the misdemeanor charge carries potential penalties including fines up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail, though first-time offenders often receive probation or community service.
As the Fast & Furious star’s legal saga unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities pet owners face in densely populated urban areas like Buckhead. AtlantaFi.com will continue to follow developments in this case.
