How Sacramento County animal control officer tracked down suspect in cat killing
A Sacramento County animal control officer’s weeks-long search for the person who fatally beat a neighborhood cat led to the arrest of a 30-year-old man on felony animal cruelty charges.
The suspect, however, was released on his own recognizance two days after his arrest on June 2 and is scheduled to appear in court Thursday, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and court records.
Sacramento County Animal Care Services announced the arrest Tuesday, describing the case as “a horrifying act of animal cruelty.”
The investigation began after Animal Care Services received a report that a man had been captured on a resident’s home security camera approaching a home on Sun Florin Drive in the Florin section of south Sacramento, grabbing a neighborhood cat and repeatedly punching the animal until it died, according to the agency. The incident, which occurred about 5 a.m. April 21, was also reported to 911.
Zoe McCurnin, a lead animal control officer, was assigned to the case.
“Chances are, it didn’t just happen to this one cat. There’s probably more cats that this person is doing it to,” said McCurnin in a video released on Facebook by the Bradshaw Animal Shelter.
After reviewing the security footage, McCurnin noticed the suspect appeared to be traveling on an electric scooter and believed the person likely lived nearby. She then canvassed surrounding neighborhoods, going door to door to ask residents for information and additional security camera footage to help track the suspect’s movements, according to Animal Care Services.
The investigation initially produced few leads. About two weeks later, however, the suspect returned to the same home at nearly the same time of day and was again captured on security camera. McCurnin requested surveillance of the area after recognizing an opportunity to identify the suspect.
About two weeks later, the suspect returned to the same home at nearly the same time of day — which deputies said was about 5 a.m. — and was again captured on security camera, county officials said. McCurnin then requested surveillance of the area after recognizing an opportunity to identify the suspect.
While conducting surveillance, McCurnin spotted a man riding an electric scooter who matched the suspect’s description.
“Throughout the investigation, Sacramento County Animal Care Services had been working closely with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office,” the county said in a statement. “Officer McCurnin immediately contacted her law enforcement partners, who were able to follow the suspect, identify where he lived and worked, and begin the process of obtaining a search warrant.”
Deputies served the warrant on Adrian Cruz and collected evidence that led to Cruz’s arrest on felony animal cruelty charges, authorities said.
“This arrest represents more than the resolution of a criminal investigation,” the county said. “It is a reminder that acts of animal cruelty are taken seriously and that collaboration, persistence and community involvement can make all the difference.”
“I really appreciate that I was able to finish that out with them because I put a lot of time into the beginning of this case,” McCurnin said in the video.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, a judge released Cruz on his own recognizance June 4 following his arraignment on felony animal cruelty charges in Sacramento Superior Court. He is scheduled to return to court for a settlement conference Thursday.
County officials urge residents to contact 311 if they “witness suspected animal cruelty.”
“Your information could help save an animal’s life and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”
