This in today from the Washington State Attorney General’s Office…
The Attorney General’s Office announced today it filed eight felony charges against Blayne M. Perez in Snohomish County Superior Court. The charges include seven charges of first degree animal cruelty and one charge of first degree malicious mischief.
If convicted, Perez faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count of first degree animal cruelty and 10 years in prison for the charge of first degree malicious mischief. Additionally, Perez faces fines of up to $10,000 for each count of first degree animal cruelty and $20,000 for the charge of first degree malicious mischief.
The criminal charges stem from a resident’s January 2022 report to Everett police that a neighbor shot birds and squirrels then displayed the dead animals around his property. A Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) officer responded later and observed Perez shooting from his property into trees and the sky. In February 2022, police served a search warrant and found numerous animal carcasses on display at the property.
In April 2022, neighbors reported seeing Perez continue to shoot birds and squirrels around his neighborhood. When officers spoke with neighbors, many said they had removed their bird feeders to avoid further animal deaths.
On September 25, 2022, a couple informed Everett police that a man drove by and shot their cat. A witness saw part of a license plate, which matched a car registered at Perez’s address. Law enforcement previously observed Perez driving a car matching the witness’ description. Perez was arrested later that day.
The cat suffered significant injuries and incurred thousands of dollars in veterinary bills.
Assistant Attorneys General Scott Halloran and Kelsey Force will handle the case for the Attorney General’s Office.
Editor’s note: Below is the link to the affidavit of probable cause. It contains sensitive content and may upset those who read it.
Below, the affidavit of probable cause <https://atg.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=28a64d02479d9d79402df2b20&id=60b80748f2&e=4bf4515088> filed with the court is included in its entirety.
The information contained in the affidavit of probable cause are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
March 8, 2023
Everett, Police Blotter