ST. CROIX — Police on Tuesday arrested a man for shooting a neighbor’s dog with a pellet gun, leading to the death of the animal, V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer Glen Dratte announced late Wednesday.
According to police, the suspect, 28-year-old Norman De Castro who goes by the moniker “Mandy”, was arrested at about 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday in Estate Whim, and charged with first-degree animal abuse and disturbance of the peace.
The 911 emergency call center had received a call from an individual about the incident on January 21, who said that a neighbor had shot and killed one of her dogs with a pellet gun. Upon arrival to the scene, police met with the complainant and owner of the dog, who identified the suspect as Mr. De Castro. Police questioned Mr. De Castro, who admitted to shooting the dog, but he was released pending further investigation and gathering of evidence, according to Mr. Dratte.
The deceased dog was taken to the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center where a necropsy was performed, and a pellet projectile removed from its body.
Mr. De Castro was remanded to the Golden Grove Correctional Facility pending his advise-of-rights hearing in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands.
Police are asking anyone with information about individuals who abuse animals to call the V.I.P.D. Animal Cruelty Unit at 340-778-2211, Crime Stoppers VI, or 911.
Tags: animal cruelty, Norman De Castro, st croix
Share On Facebook
Tweet It
