The Santa Ana Police Department on Monday asked the public to “allow the judicial process to take its course” after a vigil honoring several slain pets turned “unruly.”
The vigil took place on Sunday night as community members gathered days after Alejandro Acosta Oliveros was released on bail following his Wednesday arrest. The was scheduled to take place outside of his Santa Ana home.
Oliveros, 45, is accused of being what police as a “serial cat killer.” Residents across his Santa Ana neighborhood have noticed a string of cat killings in recent weeks — leading to his eventual arrest.
Santa Ana police said it’s believed that Oliveros killed “a lot” of cats, although there wasn’t an exact figure.
He’s yet to be charged formally. Oliveros was released from jail on bail by Thursday.
At the vigil on Sunday, things quickly escalated. According to NextDoor user Elena W., a few individuals were injured as objects were thrown and property was vandalized.
Santa Ana PD took to social media on Monday to condemn the “unruly” gathering.
“We recognize the strong emotions this case has generated and ask the public to please allow the judicial process to take its course,” Santa Ana PD said. “[Sunday] night, during a vigil related to this case, several individuals became unruly, vandalized property, and threw objects in a neighborhood. While we support the community’s right to peacefully assemble, the Santa Ana Police Department will not tolerate acts of violence, vandalism, or any threats to public safety.”
The department said those who engage in criminal behavior will face consequences.
As of Monday afternoon, it’s not yet clear when Oliveros will next appear in court, or what exact charges he’ll face.