PITTSBURG, CA — Two women, Lagashia Shante Williams, 46, and Graciela Amar, 18, have been charged with animal cruelty and drawing or exhibiting a firearm in a threatening manner following a confrontation in Pittsburg in February. The charges also include filing a false report for Williams.
The charges stem from an incident on February 19, when the two women reportedly confronted a man in his driveway about an issue involving his elderly neighbor accidentally running over a plant. The situation quickly escalated into a heated argument.
During the exchange, Amar walked toward a vehicle, retrieved an imitation firearm, and handed it to Williams, according to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. As the argument continued, Williams brandished the imitation weapon, causing the homeowner to retreat. This altercation was captured on video, which shows the homeowner backing away while holding one of his dogs. However, the other dog remained unprotected.
At this point, Williams allegedly instructed Amar to kick the other dog, which she did. The force of the kick sent the dog flying through the air, landing several feet away on the lawn, crying out in pain. The homeowner quickly picked up the injured animal and retreated inside his house.
In an attempt to turn the situation around, one of the women called 911, falsely claiming the homeowner had a gun. The Pittsburg Police investigated the claim and determined that the homeowner did not possess a firearm.
On February 27, Williams and Amar were arrested and booked into the Martinez and West County Detention Facilities. Both were released on bail shortly after their arrests.
If convicted, Williams and Amar could face up to three years in county jail and a $20,000 fine for their roles in the incident.
