Man Accused Of Feeding Squirrel Named 'Deeznuts' Meth Now Facing New Charges
Poppy Bilderbeck
Featured Image Credit: Limestone County Sheriff Office
A man is now facing further charges after he allegedly tried to feed meth to a squirrel in a bid to make it more aggressive.
Mickey Joel Paulk, from Alabama, was arrested in June 2019 for possession of a wild animal, stolen property and possession of a weapon by a felon.
However, the 39-year-old is now expected to face further charges, and his trial, which was originally set to commence on Monday, January 24, has subsequently been delayed.
Drug abuser trained 'attack squirrel' to defend him by feeding it crystal meth.https://t.co/N9qXxVG9iU pic.twitter.com/xcXQSxh23X
— LADbible (@ladbible) June 19, 2019
In 2019, the caged squirrel - who was named 'Deeznuts' - was discovered alongside methamphetamine, ammunition and body armour at the 39-year-old's house during a home raid, AL.com reports.
According to deputies of Limestone County, Paulk had been feeding the animal meth to keep it belligerent.
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However, Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely explained there was 'no safe way to test the squirrel for meth' and so it was simply released back into the wild.
This story just staggers my imagination.
— Kurt Weinschenker (@KurtBW_News) June 18, 2019
Law enforcement in Limestone County, Alabama had to deal with an “attack squirrel.”
Investigators there accuse Mickey Paulk of keeping a caged "attack squirrel" in his apartment, feeding it meth to keep it aggressive. pic.twitter.com/ZxitpJzbBj
Paulk was not present during the home raid and instead, a man named Ronnie Reynolds was arrested.
Reynolds was later charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and loitering a known drug house, according to WBRC.
A manhunt was later carried out to find Paulk.
It began on June 18, 2019 and ended when the 39-year-old was apprehended on a stolen motorcycle, after he 'rammed an investigator vehicle' amid 'a brief pursuit' which took place after he fled 'America's Best Value Inn in Killen, AL'.
BREAKING: Mickey Paulk has been arrested. LCSO narcotics investigators were conducting surveillance at America’s Best Value Inn in Killen, AL when Paulk left on a stolen motorcycle. After a brief pursuit, Paulk rammed an investigator vehicle and was arrested. pic.twitter.com/3E3N0SsXU5
— Limestone Sheriff (@LimestoneCoSO) June 28, 2019
At the time of Paulk's arrest, 'Deeznuts' gained widespread media attention and traction online, becoming the subject of many memes and reportedly even triggering calls for a change to the state's motto.
Furthermore, a Twitter account was created in honour of the squirrel called 'Alabama Meth Attack Squirrel'.
'They took my meth and threw me in Limestone County Woods,' the biography on the account reads.
Thank you 💔 I’m hoping he’ll come back for me https://t.co/ZMIu2xG4QO
— Alabama Meth Attack Squirrel (@MethSquirrel) June 28, 2019
Paulk's court date has since been rescheduled to February 28.
While he has denied feeding the squirrel meth, Paulk also faces a string of other drug offences from an arrest which took place on December 23.
The charges relate to both drugs and weapons, as well as the chemical endangerment of a child and the trafficking of methamphetamine.
Moreover, in an updated post to Twitter, Limestone Sheriff also noted charges relating to 'attempt to elude, criminal mischief, and felon in possession of a pistol (he had a .45 in his waistband)'.
If you see an animal in distress and/or in need of help, contact the RSPCA's 24-hour animal cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 or visit its website for further advice
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