On 9/20/21, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Harold C. Merris, age 84, of Mt. Carmel, for felony-level Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, following a complaint of Mr. Merris shooting and killing a cat in the 300 block of South Drive with a high powered b.b. gun. Officers arrived at the scene, spoke to witnesses, and later charged Mr. Merris after the animal owner elected to pursue charges. Merris was released on a Notice to Appear in court due to current jail restrictions because of Covid-19.