DECATUR, Ill. (WICS) — A Decatur man was arrested after a series of violent and disturbing incidents involving animal cruelty, trespassing, and assaulting a police officer, according to authorities.
41-year-old Justin S. Shadwell was taken into custody on October 25 following multiple reports of erratic behavior on East Grand Avenue.
Police were first called for a trespassing complaint after Shadwell, who had previously been barred from a residence, was reportedly seen peering into windows.
Later, officers responded to a separate report alleging that Shadwell was seen strangling a cat near East Grand Avenue and North Woodford Street. When police arrived, he was not found, but a witness claimed the cat appeared dead.
Shadwell was later located on East Grand Avenue, allegedly swinging the deceased cat and attempting to burn its face with a lighter. Officers said he made delusional statements and resisted commands.
During the attempted arrest, Shadwell allegedly struck an officer before fleeing the scene. He was ultimately captured on East Locust Street.
Police reported that the cat had visible injuries and a white fabric tied around its neck.
Shadwell faces multiple charges, including aggravated animal cruelty, aggravated battery to a peace officer, aggravated resisting or obstructing a peace officer, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The cause of the cat’s death remains under investigation.
