ATLANTA — Celebrity fitness trainer Gibson surrendered to authorities Friday under a pre-negotiated consent bond, days after a warrant was issued in connection with a fatal dog attack that killed a neighbor’s spaniel, police said.
Gibson’s attorney, Gabe Banks, said his client “has fully cooperated with legal authorities and will continue to do so.” Capt. Nicole Dwyer confirmed the surrender, telling the Associated Press, “We are pleased he did the right thing by turning himself in,” while stressing that the department’s search for the animals remains active.
The legal action stems from a Sept. 18 incident in which four Cane Corso dogs allegedly owned by Gibson attacked and killed a small spaniel about a half-mile from his home. According to authorities, the dogs had been spotted roaming the neighborhood on multiple occasions. After the fatal mauling, a resident reported being blocked from reaching her car by the same dogs, further heightening public safety concerns.
Investigators obtained search and arrest warrants in the days following the attack. Police say Gibson initially agreed to surrender the dogs, but when officers arrived he requested more time, and the animals were not turned over. The dogs have since gone missing.
Banks said Gibson was not present during the attack and had “rehomed his dogs to a safe and loving environment.” He framed the case as a clash between community safety and personal security, noting that Gibson acquired the Cane Corsos after years of dealing with stalkers, with his “only motivation” being to protect his family.
Neighbors, however, have expressed alarm over repeated sightings of the dogs roaming without leashes, and officials have urged the public not to approach the animals. Cane Corsos are large, powerful mastiffs originally bred for guarding, and animal control experts caution that their behavior can be unpredictable if they are frightened or feel threatened.
Police did not immediately detail potential charges. Capt. Dwyer said the case remains under active investigation, with officers working alongside animal control to locate and safely secure the missing dogs. Anyone with information on the animals’ whereabouts is urged to contact the department.
Banks said Gibson will continue cooperating as authorities piece together the timeline of events leading up to—and following—the attack. “He wants the dogs located safely and the community reassured,” the attorney said.
Further updates are expected as investigators review witness statements, surveillance footage, and compliance records related to prior complaints about the animals roaming.
