Sniper Killing Cats In Windows

Someone has been killing cats in South King County.

In the last two weeks, four cats sitting on windowsills in homes in SeaTac and Federal Way have been shot by a passing motorist, according to King County Police. Three of the cats died. The fourth, shot in the eye, was critically injured.

``The first time, it was thought to be more or less a vandalism. The second time, it was definitely directed at the cat,'' said Sgt. Lou Smith of the Burien precinct.

The first shooting occurred at 5:40 a.m. March 2 in SeaTac. Last Sunday, a cat was shot at 5 a.m. in Federal Way, at 5:15 a.m. in SeaTac and between 1:15 and 2:15 p.m. in Federal Way.

The early morning seems to be favored because ``that's when people aren't out moving and cats are asleep (in windows),'' said police spokesman Tony Burtt.

The motive for the killings is anybody's guess. ``Who knows? Why do people do a lot of crazy things?'' Burtt said.

The weapon is believed to be a .22-caliber semi-automatic rifle. A few shell casings have been recovered.

Authorities don't know if one person is responsible for all four shootings, and there are no suspects. No neighbors witnessed the shootings, although one Federal Way man said he heard a car with a loud muffler drive off.