Charges Filed, Warrant Issued For Man Accused In Dog Killing

SEATTLE — A King County judge has issued an arrest warrant for the man accused of kicking a dog to death in Seattle's City Hall Park last weekend. The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office filed two felony charges Thursday against Courtney Williams, 29, in connection with the attack, but prosecutors said he failed to show up for a second court appearance.

Despite objections from prosecutors and the Seattle Police Department, a King County judge released Williams on his own recognizance after a first appearance Monday. Prosecutors asked the judge to find probable cause for felony animal cruelty and set bail at $25,000, arguing the attack showed he was a danger to the community. Instead, the judge found probable cause for second-degree animal cruelty, a misdemeanor, and released him without bail.

On Thursday, a different judge found probable cause for the felony cruelty change, along with first-degree attempted theft, and signed a $25,000 warrant for Williams' arrest.

In court filings, investigators allege Williams approached John Hickey, 67, as the victim was walking his 14-year-old dog, Alice, near the King County Courthouse on Sunday, May 30. Police said Williams demanded Hickey's jacket and threatened to assault him. According to charging documents, Hickey pepper-sprayed Williams and tried to flee the park for his apartment but was slowed by previous injuries and an orthopedic boot from a recent surgery. Police said Williams sprinted toward Hickey and kicked the dog into the air, causing a fatal injury.

Police located Williams a few blocks away, and investigators said he told them that he kicked the dog by mistake, intending to hit Hickey.

Williams is charged with first-degree animal cruelty and first-degree attempted theft. An arraignment hearing, where he may enter a plea, is scheduled for June 17.