Suspect In South Bay Preschool Tortoise Attack Charged

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — The suspect in the mauling of a tortoise at a South Bay preschool earlier this month has been charged and jailed without bail, the Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office said Tuesday.

George Robles, 40 of San Jose, was arrested Jan. 30 in connection with the stabbing attack on "Michelangelo" at Play 'N' Learn Preschool at 505 Massar Ave., San Jose Police said.

The 70-year-old African Supcata Tortoise was stabbed with a piece of wood that shattered his outer shell according to police.

Michelangelo suffered serious injuries but is being treated by a local veterinarian and is expected to survive.

Robles was charged with felony animal abuse, commercial burglary, and vandalism, prosecutors said.

His arraignment is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. Wednesday in Department 24 of the Hall of Justice in San Jose. He could be incarcerated if convicted.

“Our thoughts are with the children and teachers at Play ‘n’ Learn,” District Attorney Jeff Rosen said in a statement.

“We will work diligently to protect that preschool and get accountability for the innocent victims of a heartless and heartbreaking crime. “

The crimes began Jan. 27, when security footage showed Robles breaking into the school through an unlocked door around 5 a.m., stealing about $1,800 worth of computers, iPad Minis and other electronics, prosecutors said.

On Jan. 30 at around 11:30 a.m. police received a report from someone who heard glass breaking at the school, prosecutors said.

The owner found the beloved pet impaled with a stick. Police found the defendant nearby, prosecutors said.

An arresting officer filed a request for the magistrate to review bail, but because the alleged crime was eligible under emergency COVID rules for immediate release, the request was denied, and the defendant was released.

The next day at 6:52 p.m. the defendant broke into the school again, this time spending the night and stealing about $1,000 more of Apple iPads, and groceries - a crime again captured on security cameras, prosecutors said.

When the owner arrived in the morning, the defendant fled. Police arrested him at 4 p.m. near the school, prosecutors said..

This time, after a hearing, the defendant was remanded without bail, prosecutors said.