Drivers on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge saw something no one ever wants to witness: a cat allegedly tossed from a moving car. The animal survived, was quickly scooped up by park police on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail, and is now safe and under care, officials say.
According to Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Prince George's County Division, officers were flagged down on the trail and found the terrified cat nearby. Authorities say the animal did not appear to be injured and is being cared for at an undisclosed location.
Park Police Track Down Cat After Frantic Call For Help
Officers with the Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Prince George's County Division, say they responded after a witness reported seeing a cat thrown from a moving vehicle and rushed to search the area. They located the animal on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail, removed it from the scene, and arranged veterinary care. A police statement noted that photos documenting the rescue were credited to the park police, and the details were shared in a release cited by FOX 5 DC.
Witnesses Sound Alarm As Police Ask Public For Leads
Witnesses told officers they saw someone toss the cat out of a vehicle while it crossed the bridge, prompting the urgent response from park police. In their written statement, authorities praised the person who came forward, writing, "We commend the citizen for speaking up," and asked anyone with additional information to email [email protected] so investigators can follow up. The request for tips and the quoted statement were reported by WTOP.
Police Call Out Animal Cruelty, Urge Quick Reporting
Park police stressed that they treat reports of animal cruelty as serious offenses and said quick reporting from bystanders is critical to determining whether criminal charges are appropriate. Officials publicly thanked the witness who alerted officers and encouraged others to report suspected abuse on park trails and nearby roadways so detectives can pursue potential cases. Images released along with the statement were credited to the Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Prince George's County Division, according to FOX 5 DC.
The cat remains in care while authorities continue their investigation, and police say they intend to follow any leads that come in. Anyone with information is asked to contact park police at [email protected], officials said, as reported by WTOP.
