A disturbing case of alleged animal cruelty in Alabama has led to the arrest of a 21-year-old man after authorities say five kittens were thrown from a moving vehicle on a busy interstate, resulting in their deaths and widespread public outrage.
911 Calls Prompt Rapid Police Intervention in Homewood
The incident unfolded on Interstate 65 near Lakeshore Drive, where the Homewood Police Department began receiving multiple emergency calls around 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Callers reported a vehicle in motion from which small animals were being thrown onto the roadway.
Officers were quickly dispatched to the area and began gathering information from motorists who witnessed the event as traffic continued to flow along the highway.
Witness Accounts Help Identify Suspect Vehicle
According to police statements, several witnesses described seeing a driver throw multiple kittens out of a moving car while traveling along I-65.
Their accounts provided critical details that allowed officers to track down the vehicle involved.
Once the car was located, authorities stopped and detained the driver, later identified as 21-year-old Thomas Ronald Liccione of Birmingham.
Five Kittens Killed After Being Thrown Into Traffic
Authorities confirmed that all five kittens did not survive the incident.
Police reported that after being thrown from the vehicle, the animals were struck by other passing cars on the interstate.
The department described the outcome as tragic, noting the severity of injuries sustained immediately after the animals were ejected into traffic.
Arrest Made on Aggravated Animal Cruelty Charges
Liccione was taken into custody and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, a Class C felony under Alabama law.
The offense covers intentional acts that cause severe harm, torture, or death to animals.
If convicted, the charge carries a potential sentence ranging from one to ten years in prison, along with fines that can reach up to $15,000.
Police confirmed that Liccione was booked into the Jefferson County Jail, with bond set at $15,000.
Online jail records indicate he was booked around 5 p.m. on Saturday and released after posting bond roughly an hour later.
Police Thank Witnesses as Outrage Spreads Online
The Homewood Police Department issued a public statement emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in the arrest, thanking motorists who immediately contacted emergency services and provided key information at the scene.
Officials also reiterated that animal cruelty cases are treated with seriousness and urgency.
Public reaction on social media has been overwhelmingly critical, with many users expressing shock and anger over the alleged actions.
Comments described the incident as “cruel and heartless,” while others questioned how anyone could harm such vulnerable animals.
The case continues to draw attention as the investigation moves forward.
