California Woman Arrested for Intentionally Running Over Puppy with Minivan
Authorities used license plate reader technology to identify and apprehend the suspect.
A 75-year-old Anaheim resident has been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty and animal abandonment after surveillance footage captured her allegedly luring her nine-month-old pit bull, named Blackey, with food and then running over the animal with her minivan.
Hahn Nguyen was taken into custody by the Santa Ana Police Department on Thursday and booked at the Santa Ana Jail. Investigators utilized Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology to identify Nguyen's vehicle and subsequently locate her residence.
The incident occurred around 9 a.m. on September 8, near 926 W. Park Ln. in Santa Ana. According to police, a resident discovered the deceased puppy in the street and alerted authorities. Detectives reviewed home surveillance footage that showed a woman, identified as Nguyen, arrive in a Honda Odyssey, unload the puppy, and place food under the driver's side of the vehicle.
As the puppy ate, Nguyen allegedly moved the minivan, causing the rear driver’s-side tire to roll over the animal. Police stated that she kept the vehicle stationary over the puppy for approximately 15 seconds before driving away from the scene. Nguyen later admitted to owning the nine-month-old pit bull and abandoning it. The Santa Ana Police Department stated that the use of ALPR technology was instrumental in identifying the vehicle and apprehending the suspect.
