Man arrested for running over ducklings playing in puddle

Florida man, 56, is arrested after he intentionally ran over a group of ducklings playing in a puddle, killing two of them

  • James Clairmont, 56, was charged with animal cruelty after witnesses saw him running down the ducklings in Largo, Florida on Sunday
  • Police said 11 ducklings were playing in a shallow puddle with a mother duck at the time 
  • Two witnesses, one of whom was a child, said they saw Clairmont accelerating towards the ducks 
  • Authorities said that two of the ducklings died at the scene and other was treated at an animal hospital for broken bones 

James Clairmont, 56, was charged with animal cruelty after witnesses saw him running down the ducklings inside a mobile home park in Largo, Florida on Sunday

A Florida man has been accused of intentionally running his truck over a group of ducklings playing in a puddle in the middle of the road. 

James Clairmont, 56, was charged with animal cruelty after witnesses saw him running down the ducklings inside a mobile home park in Largo on Sunday.

Police said 11 ducklings were playing in a shallow puddle with a mother duck at the time. 

Two witnesses, one of whom was a child, said they saw Clairmont slowing down at a speed bump before accelerating and intentionally heading towards the ducks. 

They told police they tried screaming at Clairmont to slow down. 

He allegedly struck three of the ducklings before fleeing the scene to his trailer just one street away. 

Police said 11 ducklings were playing in a shallow puddle with a mother duck at the time. Two were killed and one suffered broken bones (file photo)

Police said 11 ducklings were playing in a shallow puddle with a mother duck at the time. Two were killed and one suffered broken bones (file photo)

Authorities said that two of the ducklings died at the scene. 

One was rushed to a nearby animal hospital to be treated for broken bones.

When questioned by police, Clairmont denied ever seeing the ducks on the road.

He could not explain to police why there was blood and duck feathers stuck to the wheels of his truck, according to police.

Police reported that he appeared drunk because he smelled of alcohol, had red eyes and was slurring his words.   

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