A suspected serial cat killer was arrested in Seattle, raising concerns among cat owners about the safety of their pets. The arrest follows a disturbing resurgence of homemade traps and snares found in various areas of the city, prompting the Seattle Police Department (SPD) and local animal organizations to take action.
Homemade Traps Linked to Suspect
Posts on Seattle Reddit have reported a troubling development: traps specifically designed to capture and harm cats have reappeared in unspecified locations throughout the city. This coincides with the release of Antoine Leander Runner Jr., a 43-year-old man previously incarcerated for animal cruelty, including charges related to the creation of illegal traps and the mistreatment and killing of animals.
“Runner was charged with animal cruelty for a series of grisly cat killings in 2023,” one Reddit user shared. “After his release, makeshift traps started appearing again. It was clear that he had returned to his old hunting grounds.”
Runner’s return to the city set off alarm bells among animal welfare groups and cat owners. Seattle Police were promptly notified of his activities.
Arrest in the Olympic Foundry Area
The SPD launched a search for Runner, and on March 31, they located a male matching his description in the Olympic Foundry area, near 5210 Airport Way South. Officers confirmed the suspect’s identity and arrested him for a misdemeanor warrant related to his previous offenses.
SPD’s report further revealed that while investigating the area, a second 911 call reported a man fitting the same description had been seen walking onto a nearby trail. “We found Mr. Runner, who responded to the name Antoine, and placed him under arrest,” SPD stated.
Serial Cat Killer Targets Feral Cats
Local Reddit users have pointed to disturbing details of Runner’s actions. Allegedly, Runner frequented local food banks, collecting cat food, collars, leashes, and other supplies to lure cats into his traps. Many of the cats targeted by Runner in 2023 were from feral cat colonies managed by the Alley Cat Project.
The Alley Cat Project reported the discovery of a disemboweled cat from one of their managed colonies on March 31, with the body publicly displayed as a grim reminder of the cruelty involved. Animal control authorities confirmed that the injuries were caused by human hands, further supporting suspicions about Runner’s involvement.
Warnings to Pet Owners
In response to these developments, Seattle Animal Control and the Alley Cat Project are urging pet owners to keep their cats indoors and to remain vigilant. They’ve also recommended taking photographs of any makeshift traps found and reporting them immediately to authorities.
“These traps pose a serious risk to not only feral cats but domestic pets as well,” stated a representative from Seattle Animal Control. “It’s crucial that people take preventive measures to keep their cats safe.”
Ongoing Investigation
As this story unfolds, authorities are continuing their investigation into Runner’s activities. Seattle police and animal control have assured the public that they will remain vigilant in preventing further harm to animals. For now, the focus is on recovering any additional evidence related to the traps and ensuring that the suspect faces appropriate charges for his actions.
