Cat shot by pellet gun in La Plata
Feline required amputation, police seeking suspects
Police are seeking the public’s help in an animal cruelty case after a pet cat was found severely injured in La Plata, shot by a pellet gun. A cash reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest.
Maximus, a 12-pound cat, was found injured around 8:30 and 9 p.m. May 2 in the 5200 block of Colebrook Street in La Plata, a Charles County Sheriff’s Office news release states. It was initially believed he had been struck by a car, but doctors at the emergency animal clinic found he had been shot by a high-powered pellet gun, which required them to amputate a leg.
Maximus is currently being treated at the clinic.
As a small kitten, Maximus was taken in by a park police officer Christi Montgomery while she was on a call, according to police. The kitten jumped into the officer’s car, and she and her 10-yearold daughter have cared for him since no one ever claimed him.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Charles County Animal Control, Officer Gustafson, at 301-609-3431. Charles County Crime Solvers is offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect, or suspects. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS, texting CHARLES + the tip to CRIMES (274637) or submitting tips online at tipsubmit.com.