A wanted felon, Domenic Anthony Asprella, following an hours-long standoff at a home in Congress on Thursday afternoon.
The 54-year-old Asprella was wanted on felony warrants from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office for 117 counts of animal cruelty, as well as 2 warrants out of Yavapai County for additional animal cruelty charges and failure to appear. He had been on the run for over four years.
According to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, at approximately 7:30 a.m., on November 6, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) deputies attempted to contact Asprella at a residence on S Grandview Drive in Congress. After deputies confirmed Asprella was inside the home, he refused to cooperate, and a secure perimeter was established. In the interest of public and officer safety, the YCSO SWAT team and a crisis negotiator responded to the scene.
YCSO negotiators successfully contacted Asprella. After several hours of communication, negotiators convinced him to exit the residence. At approximately 12:22 p.m., Asprella surrendered to deputies peacefully and was taken into custody without further incident.
Following the arrest, YCSO Animal Control Officers were called to the scene to assist with the recovery of 39 cats and a dog that were on the property.
Asprella was not permitted to care for animals. The animals, who were mostly in good health, were safely removed and will receive care if needed.
Be the first to comment