Residential mob attempt to surround 'serial cat killer's home' before discovering they've made a huge mistake

Warning: This article contains discussion of animal cruelty which some readers may find distressing.

An angry mob attempted to surrounding an alleged 'serial cat killer's home' before discovering they'd made a rather unfortunate mistake.

A group of residents from Santa Ana, California, decided to meet on Sunday (April 27) to hold a vigil for the cats that were allegedly murdered in the local area, but proceedings soon took a violent turn.

45-year-old Alejandro Oliveros Acosta, who allegedly confessed to murdering the innocent animals, was bonded out last Thursday (April 24), police said.

During the vigil over the weekend, the mob surrounded a home which they believed belonged to Acosta's brother - but a huge mistake was made.

Fox News reports the group demanded he leave the house, and even began breaking windows.

Alejandro Oliveros Acosta was detained last week (Santa Ana Police Department)

The man who lived at the property was even pepper-sprayed, as children inside the home watched the horrid incident unfold.

The victim told Fox11 that he is not Acosta's brother, but instead related to the suspect's brother-in-law.

In a statement, Santa Ana Police Department said: "The suspect in the recent animal cruelty investigation was arrested last week and he later posted bail. We recognize the strong emotions this case has generated and ask the public to please allow the judicial process to take its course.

"Last night, during a vigil related to this case, several individuals became unruly, vandalized property, and threw objects in a neighborhood. While we support the community’s right to peacefully assemble, the Santa Ana Police Department will not tolerate acts of violence, vandalism, or any threats to public safety.

"Any damage to life or property will have consequences, and those engaging in criminal behavior will be held accountable."

A 'victim' to the residential mob told Fox they were unaware of Acosta's alleged crimes and were 'shocked' by the incident on Sunday.

"The peaceful protesting wasn't so peaceful. They're scaring kids here. It's scaring the whole family," the victim, who wished to remain unidentified, said.

The mob targeted the wrong house (Fox11)

"There are kids, seven kids in this house. Two little babies, one that is autistic. You know, breaking our fences… pepper spraying us for no reason. If you did what you did, I didn't know anything about it. You know, when we found out, we were shocked."

According to police, reports alleged that a man had been luring cats in the local neighborhood to his home, where they were subsequently abused or killed.

Acosta was detained on Wednesday (April 23) before being booked on felony charges related to animal cruelty.

"The right to bail is protected under the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution," the police department added on Twitter.

"In California, individuals who are arrested may post bail based on predetermined bail schedules established under the California Penal Code for certain offenses."

UNILAD has reached out to the Santa Ana Police Department for further comment.

If you see an animal in distress and/or in need of help, call 911 if a crime is in progress. You can also visit a directory of animal abuse investigation agencies by state here.