Man who shot at cat faces felony charge

Staff report

STRUTHERS

A 57-year-old Park Avenue man faces a felony charge of improperly discharging a firearm into a habitation for opening fire on his cat, shooting bullets through the walls of his home and those of a nearby residence.

Mark Cook, 57, was arraigned Friday in Struthers Municipal Court. His bond was set at $15,000, 10 percent cash or surety.

Detective Jeff Lewis of the Struthers Police Department said officers were called to the neighboring home shortly after 3 p.m. Thursday, after the occupants said their home had received gunshot damage.

Police questioned Cook about the incident, and he eventually admitted shooting at the cat, saying he got mad when the feline climbed on a bed and began clawing at the bedclothes.

Police said the cat was not hit. Cook told police he shot at the animal to scare it.

Police also removed more than 30 weapons from his house.