VENTURA, Calif.—An arrest was made Thursday in the vicious attack on Bob, a 42-pound pet tortoise who was slashed and stabbed after being stolen from the home of an autistic boy.
Police said the attacker tried to cut Bob out of his shell. His hind legs were badly cut, his neck was slashed and his shell was punctured with a sharp object. The animal also was thrown against a wall, police said.
Jose "Tony" Mosqueda, 18, of Ventura, was booked at the county jail for investigation of cruelty to animals and grand theft.
It is believed he acted alone, police said.
"It's a good feeling. It's kind of neat," Sgt. Jack Richards said. "It just really pulled at some heartstrings and it's good to have someone in custody."
Witnesses to the torture provided information that helped lead to the arrest, Richards said.
A $1,000 reward had been offered for help with an arrest and missing tortoise fliers were posted throughout the area, but Richards said he didn't know if that contributed to the arrest.
The 25-year-old African spurred tortoise belongs to Dorothy and Bill Sullivan and is a special friend to their 6-year-old autistic son, who rarely spoke to people but chattered to the animal.
The tortoise was snatched from their yard on July 7, brutalized and dumped in brush behind an apartment complex.
An anonymous caller told the family where to find Bob.
Police declined to discuss a motive, but Richards said it didn't appear the attacker wanted to eat Bob.
T
he tortoise was being treated at Turtle Dreams, a Montecito rehabilitation center. The center's owner has said Bob's chances of recovery are good but he may have to remain through the summer. On Thursday, he was still being fed through a tube.
Police advised the Sullivans of the arrest. "They were just very thankful. They're looking forward to their tortoise coming back to full health," Detective Sgt. Rick Murray said.
"She's very excited, Dorothy is," Richards said. "She's asking what she can bring me and the detectives—candy, cookies."
Bob's plight made headlines across the country and prompted a flood of calls from people wanting to help.
"I'm still getting 25 calls a day from people all over the nation: New Jersey, Montana, Arizona. I can name almost every state," Richards said.
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