Gilbert man arrested, charged after two cats were found dead

Lexington, S.C. 06/20/2022 – Lexington County Animal Services arrested a man after he allegedly killed multiple cats in the Gilbert area.

Johnathan William Grider was arrested and charged with the ill treatment of animals – a felony charge that could carry up to five years in prison upon conviction.

On June 10, 2022, Lexington County Animal Services was made aware of an allegation that Grider killed a cat, and the body was hung in a tree.

Interviews were conducted, and a search of the area was also done during the investigation. During the search, investigators found the bodies of two deceased cats with nooses around their necks. Officers used this evidence to establish probable cause and obtained an arrest warrant.

On June 15, 2022, officers with Lexington County Animal Services and deputies with Lexington County Sheriff’s Department arrested Grider at his home in Gilbert and he was transported to Lexington County Detention Center. Grider was released on June 16, 2022, after his bond hearing was held.

Lexington County Animal Services asks anyone with information on this case or any other cases of animal cruelty to call (803) 785-8149 and press option 4 to be connected to dispatch.