An 18-year-old man from Vancouver has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty after admitting to shooting squirrels with darts in Clark County’s Lewisville Regional Park. Trevor Ek appeared before a judge Friday afternoon, pleading not guilty to three counts of animal cruelty. Authorities say the charges stem from incidents in 2025 involving squirrels, but Ek is also suspected of targeting rabbits in Vancouver in 2024. This case has raised serious concerns among local residents and park visitors about the safety of public spaces and the wellbeing of wildlife.
Investigation and Arrest
The Clark County Animal Protection and Control office played a pivotal role in the investigation that led to Trevor Ek’s arrest. Officials reported that multiple squirrels had been found shot with darts in Lewisville Regional Park, prompting a thorough inquiry. Through witness statements and evidence collection, investigators were able to link these incidents to Ek.
According to the state, Ek admitted to police that he had been shooting squirrels in the park earlier in 2025, telling authorities he “enjoys killing small animals.” This troubling admission prompted further investigation, revealing similarities to an earlier case in 2024 in Vancouver, where residents of the Ogden neighborhood discovered rabbits that had been injured by darts.
Paul Batchelder, the lead Animal Control Officer involved, visited the park to collect evidence and speak with witnesses. He compiled the case history, evidence, and investigative reports, which were then shared with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. Law enforcement officials utilized this information to build a case against Ek, ultimately leading to his arrest. The Animal Protection and Control office praised the teamwork involved, noting that the dedication of officers and investigators was crucial in identifying the suspect and preventing further harm to animals.
Local residents and park visitors expressed shock and concern following the incidents. Many highlighted the potential danger not only to wildlife but also to humans. Roxy Sherrich, a frequent park visitor, said, “I think it’s terrible, not something you wanna be doing in parks. You could hit a kid, you could hit someone’s dog, you could get really hurt.” Such comments reflect broader anxieties about the safety of public spaces, especially areas where children and pets regularly play.
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The Ogden neighborhood, where rabbits were previously targeted, also saw significant distress from the attacks. Ryan Scott, a resident of the area, recalled finding dozens of darts and injured bunnies scattered throughout his neighborhood. “I went down the street here and found like 26 darts total and 5 or 6 bunnies that had been shot,” Scott said. “These bunnies didn’t deserve that stuff. I got grandkids, neighbors got kids, we all got kids around here, so finding little razor blades in our yard was traumatic for all of us. I’m glad we won’t have that anymore.”
Scott and other neighbors expressed relief at the arrest, hoping it would serve as a lesson for Ek and prevent similar incidents in the future. Many also emphasized the importance of monitoring young adults who may engage in dangerous or harmful behavior, particularly in public spaces where innocent bystanders and wildlife are at risk.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Trevor Ek has been charged with three counts of animal cruelty related to the Lewisville Regional Park incidents. The charges carry serious legal consequences, reflecting the severity of harming animals intentionally. While Ek has pleaded not guilty, prosecutors are expected to rely on his admission to police and the investigative findings linking him to previous incidents in Vancouver to build their case.
Ek appeared in court with a significant number of family and friends in attendance, though none spoke to the media. The courtroom presence underscored the community and familial involvement in his life, highlighting the support system that continues to surround him despite the gravity of the charges. Animal protection advocates have underscored the broader implications of cases like Ek’s, noting that animal cruelty is often an indicator of deeper behavioral or psychological issues.
Early intervention and accountability are critical not only for justice but also for addressing underlying causes and preventing escalation. Authorities continue to investigate Ek’s actions, particularly concerning the possibility of other unreported incidents. The Clark County Animal Protection and Control office is committed to ensuring that public parks remain safe for wildlife and visitors alike, while the sheriff’s office works to enforce laws protecting animals from intentional harm.
The case has drawn attention to the responsibilities of young adults in community settings, emphasizing the importance of understanding the consequences of violent or harmful behavior. It also highlights the role of vigilant neighbors and effective law enforcement in maintaining public safety and protecting vulnerable animals. As the legal process unfolds, the community remains attentive, hoping that the charges and potential penalties will provide justice for the affected animals and serve as a deterrent for similar actions in the future.
Animal advocates and residents alike continue to call for stricter enforcement of animal cruelty laws and greater public awareness to prevent such distressing incidents from recurring. The arrest of Trevor Ek represents a significant step in addressing intentional harm to animals in the Clark County area and emphasizes the collaboration between animal control officers, law enforcement, and concerned community members in holding individuals accountable for their actions.