UPDATE: A turtle has tragically died following a shocking incident of animal cruelty at the Valencia Town Center mall. The turtle, severely injured after being slammed to the ground, succumbed to its injuries, confirmed officials from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.
Authorities responded to reports of a disturbance at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, where a man was seen harassing turtles in a pond located at The Patios, an outdoor shopping area within the mall. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the suspect, a 34-year-old transient from Van Nuys, violently grab one of the turtles before slamming it onto the pavement.
Security footage captured the horrific act, prompting swift action from mall security and deputies. The injured turtle was immediately transported by Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control to an emergency veterinary hospital for evaluation and treatment—a standard procedure in animal cruelty investigations, as noted by Deputy Mariela Picard.
Sadly, despite the efforts to save it, the turtle did not survive and died under veterinary care. A necropsy is now underway to determine the exact cause of death and further investigate the incident, according to Picard.
The suspect not only demonstrated erratic behavior during the incident but also resisted arrest, leading to the use of force by law enforcement. Picard revealed that this individual had been identified in a 2018 missing person alert issued by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, highlighting his struggles with mental health issues.
This ongoing investigation raises serious concerns about animal safety and mental health awareness in the community. Authorities urge anyone with further information about the incident to come forward.
As this story develops, the community remains in shock over the cruelty displayed at a public venue. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable creatures and addressing mental health challenges in society.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent situation.
