A 73-year-old St. Augustine man is facing serious felony charges for allegedly trying to poison stray cats in his apartment complex, police said.
He was arrested after authorities say he intentionally placed antifreeze in food meant for neighborhood felines, causing them harm or and a potentially painful death.
According to a St. Augustine Police Department report, a concerned neighbor on Master Drive contacted law enforcement after discovering cut-up hotdogs and chicken bones soaked in a neon green liquid.
The toxic stew was left near the apartment complex’s trash area where local cats congregate.
Surveillance footage reportedly captured the suspect placing the liquid in the area and later returning to his apartment with an empty cup and a jug of Prestone antifreeze.
When questioned by police on December 7, 2025, he claimed he couldn’t recall what the liquid was.
Police eventually charged him with felony aggravated animal cruelty.
He was released on $5,000 bond on Tuesday.
The case is ongoing.
