Pittsboro, NC – The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office sought the public’s assistance to locate Richard Nicholas “Nick” Blalock, 33, formerly of Clayton. Blalock was charged with felony animal cruelty after allegedly shooting a donkey—named Cowboy—repeatedly, before leaving him for dead. The shooting happened in the Apex area in late February.
Blalock is also charged with communicating threats to Cowboy’s owner, who discovered the gravely injured animal in his stall the morning the shooting occurred. Cowboy was immediately transported to NC State Veterinary Hospital where he received lifesaving medical care; he is now recovering.
Blalock is described as a white male, around 5’10” tall, weighing approximately one hundred and eighty (180) pounds. He was last seen driving a white Chevy or GMC style pickup truck, possibly an early 2000s model. His last known location was in Wake County near RDU Airport, but he is also known to frequent areas in Chatham, Wake, and Robeson Counties and may be sleeping in his vehicle and/or visiting acquaintances.
On Friday, the Sheriff’s office announced that Nicholas “Nick” Blalock had been arrested and was being held in the Chatham County Detention Center.
“Thank you to everyone who liked, shared, or commented with words of support,” the Sheriff’s department said. “We are especially grateful to everyone who assisted the investigation by calling in tips regarding his location. Cowboy is still recovering, and his family extends their sincerest gratitude for your efforts!”