Two women are facing charges in a recent animal cruelty incident that turned into an alarming confrontation in Pittsburg. Lagashia Shante Williams, 46, and Graciela Amar, 18, have been charged with cruelty to an animal, brandishing an imitation firearm, and making a false report to peace officers following their arrests last Thursday. The Sheriff's Office released both on bail earlier this month, per Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office.
The charges stem from a February 19th encounter that began with a dispute over an earlier incident where a neighbor reportedly ran over the homeowner's plant. During the argument, a video that surfaced on Instagram and went viral shows Amar retrieving what was later identified as an imitation firearm and handing it to Williams, who then brandished the weapon. The scene escalated further when Williams instructed Amar to kick a dog accompanying the homeowner. Amar obliged, sending the animal flying through the air before landing in distress, as reported by the homeowner. The false report to the police claimed the homeowner possessed a gun, adding another layer to the incident.
This altercation and the subsequent animal cruelty act were captured on home surveillance, leading to public outrage after being shared online. "The Pittsburg Police Department is aware of a video that is circulating on social media, showing an incident in which a woman harmed a dog," the department addressed the incident on their Facebook page, as mentioned in a report by Hoodline. The video's exposure prompted an immediate investigation by local authorities, with Pittsburg police encouraging "anyone who has information regarding this incident or the individual involved to step forward," urging the community's aid in providing additional details.
Williams and Amar are set to be arraigned for their respective charges, which could result in a maximum of three years in county jail and fines up to $20,000 if convicted.
