California Woman Arrested for Allegedly Running Over Puppy
Authorities identified and arrested a 75-year-old woman in connection with the death of a 9-month-old Pitbull puppy.
A 75-year-old California woman, Hahn Nguyen, has been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty and abandonment after a puppy was killed by her minivan in Santa Ana.
Surveillance footage from September 8 shows Nguyen in the driver's seat of her Honda Odyssey. The video appears to capture her opening the driver's side door, sprinkling dog food near the front left tire, and then slowly driving forward as a 9-month-old Pitbull puppy approaches the food. The vehicle then runs over the puppy, remaining on top of the animal for approximately 15 seconds before driving away.
Police responded to the scene after a passerby discovered the deceased puppy. Authorities released surveillance footage and requested public assistance to identify the minivan. Using license plate reader technology, investigators were able to identify Nguyen the following day.
During questioning, Nguyen reportedly admitted to abandoning the Pitbull mix, identified as 'Blackey.' She stated she had become annoyed with the puppy after it bit her boyfriend's shoes and other belongings. However, she did not confess to intentionally running the animal over, according to police.
Nguyen was booked at the Santa Ana Jail. In California, intentionally harming an animal can be charged as a felony, punishable by imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $20,000.