Man indicted on animal cruelty charges regarding cat

A 27-year-old Elyria man was indicted on animal cruelty charges Sept. 21 after police say he strangled a cat.

Ronald J. Newsome is facing two counts of cruelty to companion animals and a single count of disorderly conduct in connection to the July 24 incident.

An Elyria Police Department report revealed at 7:47 a.m., officers were called to a house in the 200 block of 9th Street for reports of a man being loud and throwing trash all over the yard and into the street.

When officers arrived, they observed the trash and the deceased cat in the driveway, the report said.

Newsome was covered with dried blood all over his body and refused to identify himself to police, according to the report.

Officers noticed an aroma of an alcoholic beverage on Newsome’s breath and he had glossy eyes as well as slurred speech, the report said.

The officers placed him under arrest.

LifeCare was called to examine wounds on Newsome’s hand and foot, and he finally identified himself.

When he was informed of the reason he was under arrest, Newsome said he “didn’t kill the cat,” according to the report.

When officers interviewed neighbors, a man said he saw Newsome “strangle and kill the cat” four hours prior to police arrival, the report said.

When asked why he did not report it, he said he didn’t want to get involved, according to the report.

Newsome was taken to the Lorain County Jail, where the jail’s nurse said he needed to be treated at University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center.

While en route, Newsome allegedly made statements that he would harm himself and others, the report said.

Because of this, Newsome was committed for examination of his mental well-being, according to the report.

A Lorain County Common Pleas Court judge will arraign Newsome Sept. 27.

Ronald J. Newsome is facing two counts of cruelty to companion animals and a single count of disorderly conduct in connection to the July 24 incident.