A routine DUI stop in Marion County took a sharp turn when a deputy heard a kitten crying from across U.S. 441.
Shortly before 1 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, Cpl. Robert Young of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office had pulled over a driver on U.S. 441 for allegedly speeding and failing to maintain a lane when he and public information officer Strong heard what the sheriff’s office called a “faint sound,” according to Guessing Headlights.
It was a kitten meowing from the far side of the highway.
Young tried to catch him, but the kitten got away, so the deputy went back to finish the traffic stop. As the investigation was ending, the kitten ran back toward U.S. 441, avoided passing traffic, and wound up in a nearby ditch, where Strong found and rescued him.
Young kept the kitten overnight, and the animal soon became a favorite at the sheriff’s office, earning the name Lil Billy because of his “adorable mustache.”
After being brought to safety, the kitten first stayed with Young and his family, then found a permanent home with Cody, one of the sheriff’s office’s Evidence Property Technicians.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office also thanked Voices of Change Animal League in Ocala for providing supplies and support to help give the rescued cat a stable start.
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