Bellingham man allegedly threatens to drown cat while holding it in tub with water running
A man is suspected of threatening to drown a cat during a Bellingham domestic dispute as he held the cat in a bathtub with the water running. The cat was not physically injured in the incident.
The Bellingham Police Department booked Kapier Akana Robinson, 27, into Whatcom County Jail Sunday, Oct. 10, on suspicion of first-degree animal cruelty (domestic violence), harassment (domestic violence) and third-degree malicious mischief (domestic violence). Jail records show Robinson was released on $1,000 bail Thursday, Oct. 14.
Police responded at approximately 8:45 p.m. Oct. 10 to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 1400 block of Birchwood Avenue, Lt. Claudia Murphy told The Bellingham Herald in an email, after Robinson had been involved in an argument with the victim.
During the argument, Robinson threaten to drown the victim’s cat and held the cat in the bathtub with the water running, Murphy reported. The cat managed to escape, and the victim took the cat and left the apartment.
Responding officers spoke to the victim, who reported the threat against the cat and that Robinson had sent other threats of ways he was going to kill the cat by text message, according to Murphy. Robinson also reportedly texted threats against the victim.
The victim returned to the apartment and found that the bathroom door was broken off at the hinges and the doorknob had broken through the drywall, accounting for a loud bang she heard as she was fleeing from the apartment with the cat, Murphy reported.
Officers found Robinson returning to the victim’s apartment and found him showing aggressive behavior, and he failed to comply with officers’ commands, according to Murphy.
Officers drew a taser and told Robinson if he did not comply they would use it, which deescalated the situation, Murphy reported, and he was placed under arrest.
Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, you can contact the following local resources for free, confidential support:
▪ Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services: 24-hour Help Line: 360-715-1563, Email: info@dvsas.org.
▪ Lummi Victims of Crime: 360-312-2015.
▪ Tl’ils Ta’á’altha Victims of Crime: 360-325-3310 or nooksacktribe.org/departments/youth-family-services/tlils-taaaltha-victims-of-crime-program/
▪ Bellingham Police: You can call anonymously at 360-778-8611, or go online at cob.org/tips.
▪ WWU Consultation and Sexual Assault Support Survivor Advocacy Services: 360-650-3700 or wp.wwu.edu/sexualviolence/.
