Peacock killer used high-powered pellet gun; more violence feared
Officials fear an escalation of violence by a man who they say used a high-powered pellet gun to shoot and kill a peacock from his Mercedes-Benz in Palos Verdes Peninsula.
The peacock was shot at about 8:20 p.m. July 9 in driveway of a home in the 27000 block of Eastvale Road, said Lt. Cesar Perea, director of Animal Protection Services at Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles.
The pellets, he said, could have easily penetrated through the walls of a home and injured someone.
“It really speaks to the level of violence and the lack of compassion for these animals,” he said.
Perea expressed concern that the unidentified man’s behavior might escalate from animals to people because he said the shooting shows a disregard for the residents who lived at the home.
Officials on Tuesday released a sketch of the man, who was seen driving a silver Mercedes sedan. They believe he lives in the community.
The man was described as white, 50 to 60 years old, with receding gray hair. He was wearing a white-collared shirt and aviator-style sunglasses.
More than 50 of the exotic birds have been killed or injured in the last two years in the Palos Verdes Peninsula and Rolling Hills Estates areas.
Some of the killings were accidental, but a significant number were apparently intentional, prompting an investigation by animal control and law enforcement officials.
Anyone with details about the suspect is urged to call Perea at the SPCA at (323) 730-5300, extension 272. To remain anonymous, call the animal cruelty tip line at (800) 540-7722.
For breaking news in Los Angeles and throughout California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA. She can be reached at veronica.rocha@latimes.com.
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