Serial cat killer arrested after allegedly roaming Seattle again

An alleged serial cat killer was arrested after roaming Seattle, alarming many cat owners for their pets’ safety.

Homemade traps and snares intended to capture and harm cats have begun popping up in unspecified spots in Seattle, according to posters on Seattle Reddit. The return of the cat traps coincided with the release of Antoine Leander Runner Jr., a 43-year-old man who spent time in prison for first-degree animal cruelty alongside charges for setting up traps without a permit and for mistreating, injuring, and/or killing animals.

“Runner was charged with animal cruelty for a series of grisly cat killings in 2023,” the post on Seattle Reddit read. “After his release, makeshift traps and snares started popping up again: it became clear he had returned to his hunting grounds.”

Seattle Police Department (SPD) was quickly notified of Runner Jr.’s reappearance.

“While I was conducting an area search for the suspect, a second 911 caller called in to report the same suspect had just walked onto a trail behind the Olympic Foundry, 5210 Airport Way South,” SPD stated. “Officers checked this area and located a male who matched the provided description. He also responded to the name Antoine. I placed Mr. Runner under arrest for the misdemeanor warrant.”

Alleged serial cat killer targets feral cats

According to Seattle Reddit, he would visit food banks for cat food, kennels, collars, leashes, and treats to lure cats and kill them.

“Several of the cats killed in ’23 were from feral cat colonies managed by the Alley Cat Project,” the post on Seattle Reddit read. “Since his return, our trail cam footage shows he comes to the colonies every night to hunt for cats.”

The Alley Cat Project discovered the body of one of the cats from a colony on March 31, disemboweled and publicly displayed. Animal Control confirmed the injuries to the cats were human-caused.

Seattle Animal Control and the Alley Cat Project are warning pet owners to keep any cats indoors, and to take photographs of any makeshift traps discovered.

This is a developing story, check back for updates

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