Angela Gayles is wanted by the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department on six counts of cruelty to companion animals, after prosecutors say several dogs in her care were left without food and water. A warrant went out when she failed to show up for a scheduled court appearance, and deputies now consider her at large. Gayles is described as about 5'2" and 135 pounds and was last believed to be staying in the 13000 block of Coath Avenue in Cleveland.
According to Cleveland 19, Crime Stoppers of Cuyahoga County says Gayles faces six counts of cruelty to a companion animal and is accused of depriving dogs of basic food and water. The outlet reports that a judge issued the warrant after she skipped her court date, and the Sheriff's Department has circulated her photo and identifying details to the public. Local authorities are asking anyone who knows where she is to contact investigators.
The Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office runs a regular "Most Wanted" bulletin and works with Crime Stoppers to gather anonymous tips and reward information that leads to arrests, according to the department's public information pages. The sheriff's office says community tips are a crucial tool in tracking down fugitives and directs tipsters to the county's anonymous tipline and the Crime Stoppers portal. Residents are urged not to approach anyone they believe to be a suspect and instead to call law enforcement right away if they see someone matching the description.
Suspect's criminal history
Gayles' record stretches back more than twenty years, and Cleveland 19 reports she previously pleaded guilty to attempted felony assault. Court documents cited by the outlet say that in 2020, Gayles struck a victim with a vehicle and then kept driving with the person on the hood until they were able to jump free. Officials emphasize that the new animal-cruelty counts are separate from that case and remain under investigation.
Law and local enforcement
Prosecutors and animal-welfare advocates point to recent legal changes and rulings that give Ohio authorities broader tools to pursue serious animal-abuse cases. The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office summarized an October 23, 2024, Ohio Supreme Court decision that clarified the state’s felony companion-animal statute applies to all dogs and cats, a development prosecutors say strengthens their hand in filing tougher charges in severe cases. Local groups such as the Cleveland Animal Protective League say they take cruelty reports, investigate welfare concerns, and can refer potential criminal cases for prosecution.
Anyone with information about Gayles' whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Cuyahoga County at 216-252-7463 or submit an anonymous tip through the group's website. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward, and the nonprofit passes information directly to law enforcement for follow-up. The Sheriff's Office urges the public not to approach Gayles and to instead call 911 or use the anonymous tipline if they believe they have seen her.
