‘How could someone be that evil?’ Driver ran down wild peacocks, Los Angeles cops say

Residents in a Los Angeles foothills neighborhood say they’re “devastated” by the deaths of two wild peacocks reportedly targeted by a pickup truck driver, KTTV reports.

“I saw this guy coming, and he didn’t even slow down whatsoever, he just kind of went through them,” said Chatsworth resident Andrei Ferreira, according to the station. One of the peacocks died immediately, but it took the other about five minutes to die.

“He actually aimed right for them as opposed to stopping,” said Melanie Kline, KABC reported “How could somebody be that evil?”

Floyd Belton, 61, turned himself in Tuesday following an investigation into the July 24 incident, KTLA reported.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department officials say he faces charges of felony animal cruelty, according to the station.

Wild peacocks are a frequent sight in Chatsworth, which lies in the northwest San Fernando Valley, KABC reported.

“We’re devastated. They’re a huge part of our community. They’re a reason why I moved into this place,” said resident Dot Nelson, KTTV reported.

An $80,000 warrant had been issued for Belton’s arrest before he turned himself in, KCBS reported. He was released after posting bail.

This story was originally published August 14, 2019 at 1:32 PM with the headline "‘How could someone be that evil?’ Driver ran down wild peacocks, Los Angeles cops say."