N.J. Teen Allegedly Threw Cat Off Balcony In Essex County, In Harrowing Video

NEWARK, NJ — Newark police have charged a New Jersey woman with animal cruelty after she allegedly threw a cat from a third-floor balcony onto the pavement.

Police say that Tikeemah J. Lassiter, 19, of Clinton, allegedly threw the feline off a balcony on the 300 block of South Orange Avenue on Thursday. Lassiter was reportedly in Newark visiting relatives in the area at the time of the incident.

New Jersey Transit Police had previously issued a $10,000 warrant for Lassiter’s arrest for an unrelated assault, authorities stated.

Newark police arrested Lassiter for the animal cruelty charges on Saturday.

According to local animal advocacy group “Reformers-Advocates For Animal Shelter Change In NJ,” police launched their investigation after concerned citizens alerted them that a disturbing video of the alleged animal abuse emerged on Instagram.

A clip of the alleged incident – during which a woman is apparently heard laughing - can be seen below. WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT

Authorities said that the cat survived the incident and is currently in the custody of the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which is “having the animal examined by a veterinarian and will determine appropriate placement for the cat.”

Newark police reminded the community that the charge is merely an accusation and Lassiter is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Photo: YouTube screenshot