Brevard County, Fla. – Authorities have taken a man into custody in Central Florida after he allegedly shot and killed a cat using a BB gun, as reported by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Wayne Ivey announced on Monday that the suspect, identified as 48-year-old Lucas Stedman, committed this act earlier last month.
“He thought it was acceptable to target a cat’s eye with a powerful BB gun, resulting in its death,” Ivey stated. “Apparently, he was frustrated because the cat didn’t get along with his own pet. It’s incomprehensible what kind of mindset would justify such an act.”
Stedman now faces charges of aggravated animal cruelty, and his bail has been set at $50,000.
In a face-to-face encounter with Sheriff Ivey during the arrest, Stedman reportedly claimed, “I wouldn’t harm an animal,” the sheriff recounted.
“No, you didn’t just harm an animal,” Ivey retorted. “You killed one by shooting it in the eye with a BB gun. Prepare to spend some time at the Lodge; that’s your next stop.”
