Florida: Manasseh Walker accused of burning bunny simply because it bit him

FLORIDA -- In less than 24 hours since the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office asked for the public’s help, the agency announced the Englewood man responsible for the intentional burning of a domestic rabbit named “Thumper” was taken into custody.

Manasseh Walker, 22, was arrested Thursday afternoon in the 300 block of East Grace Street in Punta Gorda, thanks to the joint efforts of the SCSO Fugitive Apprehension Unit, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and Punta Gorda Police Department.

According to a previous release June 14, the sheriff’s office posted photos of the injured rabbit as did the Bradenton Herald and other media outlets. Thanks to “a ton of public interest,” the owner reportedly disclosed details of the incident.

According to witnesses, Walker claimed he had been bitten June 12 by “Thumper,” and a few moments later was seen chasing the animal while it was on fire.

Walker is being held in the Charlotte County jail, according to a release.

The sheriff’s office thanked all who helped share Walker’s photo and bring #JusticeForThumper — a hashtag created by the agency to spread the word of the case.

PREVIOUS ARREST:
Name: Manasseh Walker
Date of Birth: 07/26/1993
Age: 22
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 140
Eye Color: BROWN
Hair Color: BLACK
Place of Birth: NY
Address: 12343 LORENZA AV
City: NORTH PORT
State: FL
Zip Code: 34287

Charge Description: BATTERY: COMMIT FELONY BATTERY (DOMESTIC)
Incident Number: 201500081465
Docket Number: 2015 CF 018384 NC
Arrest Date: 11/24/2015
Arraign Date: 01/08/2016
Bond Agency: DEBRA CRENSHAW BAIL BONDS
Bond Amount: $7,500

(Bradenton Herald - July 9, 2016)

Earlier:

• Florida: Authorities searching for information about rabbit which may have been set on fire