Gary A. Westfield
An arrest has been made in the case of a kitten who was burned and tortured in Cleveland, Tn.
At 12:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Gary A. Westfield, 31, of Cleveland, was placed in custody on a warrant obtained by Lt. Robert Harbison and Detective Matt Jenkins of the Criminal Investigations Division. Westfield was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, which is a Class E felony.
Police said, "Through the course of the investigation, we are able to determine that the event didn't take place where it was initially reported at 9th and Wildwood, but rather occurred on Gaut Street around Central Avenue.
"Other information gathered led to witnesses who came forward to identify Gary Westfield as the suspect involved in setting the kitten on fire and other injuries which eventually claimed the life of the feline, who was named Katniss by caretakers."
Katniss eventually died from the injuries.
The Cleveland Police Department received over 256 emails, as of Wednesday afternoon, from citizens all over the United States and Canada and over 36 calls recognizing the perseverance and dedication of Lt. Robert Harbison on finding the suspect involved in the animal cruelty case involving Katniss.