An anonymous tipster helped lead police to the man responsible for vandalizing nine vehicles belonging to the Humane Society of Greater Miami.
Edwin Angel Morales, who was already in police custody for stealing car batteries, has been identified as the person responsible for the vandalism, North Miami Beach Police confirm.
Security cameras were rolling the morning of Aug. 5 when Morales is alleged to have broken into the humane society's nine vans in the shelter's parking lot along West Dixie Highway in North Miami Beach.
The hoods were forced open, all of the batteries were removed and vital cables were cut, leaving all of the vehicles inoperable, officials said.
The vehicles are used to transport animals to hospitals for emergency care, take animals to Pet Supermarket for adoption, and to bring food and pet supplies to the shelter. The vandalism left the organization crippled in their efforts and unable to carry out normal operations.
Police say an anonymous tipster informed them that Morales was the one responsible for the crime, and informed police that he was already in custody.
Morales admitted to police that he stole the batteries because he needed money to help pay bills.
In addition to his confession, detectives also found Morales' fingerprints under the hood of one of the Humane Society vehicles. Investigators determined that Morales has been selling car batteries over the past three months to a scrap yard in Opa-Locka.
In regards to the Humane Society case, Morales has been charged with seven counts of burglary, two counts of grand theft, and two counts of criminal mischief - one for $1,000 or more, and the other for $200 but under $2,000. Jail records did not indicate whether Morales has hired an attorney.
The Humane Society received an outpouring of support after the incident. Several local companies donated supplies, labor, batteries and towing services to help get the organization back up and running, in addition to numerous acts of kindness from the community.
The organization was able to participate in the "Clear The Shelters" initiative on Aug. 15, finding forever homes for 71 of their animals.
