Police arrest man who allegedly killed 2 cats at Mesa apartments

PHOENIX – Police arrested a man this week who allegedly killed two cats at a Mesa apartment complex, authorities said.

Gabriel Molina was charged with two counts of animal cruelty, second-degree burglary, attempted second-degree burglary and residential trespassing, according to the Mesa Police Department.

Officers found the first dead cat with fresh injuries after responding to a call of a man hitting a cat at apartments near Dobson and Broadway roads.

A witness provided a description of the suspect, but officers could not locate him.

New Post on the Crime Blog. Animal Abuse Suspect located and arrested. Excellent work by all involved. https://t.co/TAqW8rFhFY pic.twitter.com/AksfSrFBq2

— Mesa Police Dept. (@MesaPD) August 28, 2019

On Tuesday, police found the second dead animal at the complex after another resident reported a missing cat and signs of a break-in.

Evidence pointed investigators toward Molina. Police say he was attempting to obtain drugs and a kitten when they tracked him down and arrested him.

Police say he confessed to the break-in and to assaulting the cats.

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