Man Charged With Animal Cruelty After Hit and Run

A Symsonia man was arrested Sunday after police say he left the scene of an accident, leaving two small dogs in his vehicle.

According to the Benton Police Department, officers responded Sunday afternoon to a hit and run collision on Oak Level Road near Lynn Nelson Road. Police say the driver, identified as Charles Dempsey of Symsonia, left the scene of the accident. Two small dogs were left behind in the vehicle.

Dempsey was located about an hour later and arrested. He is charged with leaving the scene of an accident, operating on a suspended or revoked license, and second degree cruelty to animals.

Dempsey was taken to the Marshall County Jail.