Above: Home surveillance image of suspect, obtained by CBS13
An Orangevale man has been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty after reportedly being captured on video abusing and stealing two cats.
Sacramento County deputies had responded on Wednesday, September 7, to the 9400 block of Deanna Avenue to investigate the alleged theft and abuse of two cats. The suspect — later identified as 18-year-old Colin Lendewig — was reportedly seen on home surveillance video returning to the victim’s home on two separate occasions.
On the first occasion, the suspect is seen abusing one of the cats, and on the second occasion, they are shown stealing the other one, police said. Ultimately, one of the cats vanished and the other was found dead in a nearby yard.
After being identified as the suspect, Lendewig was located and arrested on Tuesday, October 25th, on charges of animal cruelty and petty theft. He was released on bail after less than 24 hours in custody.
Though he’s been directly tied to two incidents, Orangevale residents believe he may be responsible for more than a dozen recent cat disappearances and killings.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
