Actor and musician Tyrese Gibson, best known for his role in the “Fast & Furious” franchise, is wanted by Fulton County police after failing to turn himself in following an arrest warrant for animal cruelty, authorities announced on Tuesday.
The warrant stems from a September 18 incident in which Gibson’s four Cane Corso dogs—a powerful Italian mastiff breed—allegedly escaped his property and fatally mauled a neighbor’s small spaniel in an upscale Atlanta suburb.
According to Fulton County Police Captain Nicole Dwyer, the case represents an “ongoing issue” with Gibson’s dogs, with law enforcement responding to multiple calls about the animals over recent months. Dwyer emphasized that authorities had attempted to cite Gibson prior to the fatal attack, but were unable to reach him at his Atlanta residence.
“Our priority is the safety of the community,” Captain Dwyer told reporters. “When there’s so many incidents of dogs, especially large dogs like this, getting out and then killing an animal, you know, what’s next? A child? Our main priority is safety and that’s why we want the dogs in custody.”
The tragic incident unfolded just after 10 p.m. on September 18, when a neighbor living approximately half a mile from Gibson’s property let their spaniel out into their yard for what should have been a routine evening outing. Within five minutes, the owner discovered their pet had been viciously attacked.
Despite emergency treatment at a veterinary hospital, the small dog succumbed to its injuries.
Following the attack, the four Cane Corsos were spotted at another neighboring property, where a frightened resident called 911, reporting she was too afraid to leave her home. Animal control officers responded to the scene and managed to contain the dogs while the terrified neighbor safely reached her vehicle.
Police executed a search warrant on Gibson’s property four days later, on September 22, but found neither the actor nor his dogs at the residence. Captain Dwyer revealed that she spoke directly with Gibson’s legal representation last week, giving the actor a Friday deadline to surrender himself to authorities—a deadline that has now passed without compliance.
Gibson’s attorney, Gabe Banks, responded to inquiries from The Associated Press, stating that his client is “cooperating fully with authorities to address and resolve this matter responsibly.”
Banks emphasized that Gibson was not home when the attack occurred and claimed the actor “immediately made the difficult decision to rehome his dogs to a safe and loving environment” following the incident.
In a statement, Banks added that Gibson “extends his deepest condolences to the family who lost their beloved dog to this tragic incident.”
The case has raised serious questions about dangerous dog ownership and accountability in affluent neighborhoods. Cane Corsos, bred historically as guard dogs and hunting companions, typically weigh between 90 and 120 pounds and possess powerful jaws capable of inflicting severe damage.
Animal behavior experts note that proper containment, training, and supervision are essential for large, powerful breeds, particularly when multiple dogs are kept together, as pack behavior can escalate aggression.
As of Tuesday evening, it remains unclear where Gibson’s dogs are currently located or whether they have been seized by animal control authorities. The actor’s failure to appear as directed could result in additional charges beyond the initial animal cruelty warrant.
Gibson, 46, has not publicly commented on the situation through his social media channels, which typically showcase his family life and professional endeavors to millions of followers.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police continue to seek Gibson’s surrender to face the outstanding warrant.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Actor Tyrese Gibson is currently wanted by police after his four Cane Corso dogs killed a neighbor’s pet in what authorities describe as the culmination of an “ongoing issue” with multiple prior complaints. Despite being given a deadline to surrender, Gibson has failed to turn himself in, raising serious concerns about public safety and accountability.
