BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. -- A police officer patrolling a neighborhood in Titusville says he stumbled upon a dog fight about to begin on Sunday.

Corporal Kevin Hickey had been looking for stolen vehicles in the area when he heard a commotion in the backyard of a home on Olive Avenue. That is when he saw several people preparing for a dog fight.

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AT THE SCENE: Dog Fighting Ring Busted

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“I came across several people in a circle fighting dogs,” said Hickey.

As Corporal Hickey moved in to stop the fight, he says the people in the backyard took off, leaving behind the dogs they had pitted against each other.

“Several had wounds on them that were fresh. Some were old wounds,” said Hickey.

Brevard County Animal Services took custody of at least five dogs. Inside the home police found even more evidence the dogs were improperly treated.

“They didn't have food or shelter. Some were living in their own feces,” said Hickey.

The owner of the dogs, Albert Jordan, was arrested.

Neighbors say the police have the story wrong.

“There was no dog fighting! Nothing here! They got it wrong," exclaimed one irate neighbor.

However, Corporal Hickey says he saw it with his own eyes.

“Dogs are being fought and killed and people are making money off it,” said Hickey.

Brevard County Animal Services removed eight pit bulls from the property. Some were in rough shape and found living in filthy conditions.

Neighbors disagree and say Jordan took good care of his dogs.

“He got cages and he [washes] them out everyday and every night. I be with him sometimes. So, that's bull,” said Fred Brown, neighbor.

Police are still trying to track down some people who ran off when the officer showed up.

Albert Jordan was taken to the Brevard County Jail on charges of animal cruelty. Police plan to also charge him with dog fighting.

Florida is considered one of the top three states in the nation for dog fighting and the state recently took action to help stop the problem.

A new telephone hotline is up and running to report dog fighting cases. The toll-free number to call is 1-877-TIP-HSUS. Tips could lead to rewards of up to $5,000.