Laurel Police Release Photos, Details Of Suspected Seagull Killer

LAUREL, MD -- The Laurel Police Department has released photos of a suspect they say was involved in an act of animal cruelty that occurred earlier this month, in which a man intentionally ran over a group of seagulls with a car, killing 11 birds.

Officers responded on Saturday, Jan. 4, at about 10:47 a.m., to the Dollar Tree at 9620 Fort Meade Road, in the Laurel Plaza Shopping Center to the report of animal cruelty in the parking lot.

Arriving on the scene, officers noted a group of dead seagulls in close proximity to each other. Investigating the incident, they learned that an individual bought a bag of pre-popped popcorn at the Dollar Tree. The individual then emptied the bag as a way to lure a flock of seagulls to a spot in the parking lot. The individual then used a vehicle to run over the birds, killing 11, before fleeing the scene. Officers estimate the incident took place between 9-10:30 a.m.

The suspect is described as a black male, in his 50s or 60s. He was last seen wearing a burgundy Old Navy sweater, dark green jacket, white sneakers, black sweatpants and beige beanie-style hat.

Laurel Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact Cpl. Wilson at lwilson@laurel.md.us or send tips to LPDtips@laurel.md.us.

PETA is offering a reward of $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) involved.