Cat Arrested Following Armed Robbery in Blacksburg; Owner Remains Unidentified
BLACKSBURG, Va. — Authorities in Montgomery County are investigating an unusual armed robbery after a domestic cat was taken into custody in Blacksburg and booked into the Montgomery County Jail.
The incident occurred Friday evening at a convenience store in Blacksburg, where witnesses reported seeing a cat enter the business shortly before employees discovered that cash and several packaged food items were missing.
Investigators said the animal was found nearby a short time later in possession of what appeared to be a small handgun. Officers secured the weapon and took the cat into custody without further incident.
According to the police, the suspect did not provide identification and refused to answer questions during an initial interview. Authorities have not identified an owner and said no person had come forward to claim the animal as of Friday evening.
The cat is currently being held at the Montgomery County Jail pending further investigation.
Officials said detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and attempting to determine how the animal obtained the firearm and whether any accomplices were involved.
Witnesses described the suspect as calm during the incident.
“He just stared at everybody like he owned the place,” one witness said. “Then he knocked a candy display over and walked out.”
Authorities have not announced formal charges, noting that the case presents several obvious legal and procedural questions.
Investigators are asking anyone with information regarding the cat’s owner or the circumstances surrounding the robbery to contact local authorities.
No injuries were reported.