An intoxicated man from Massachusetts allegedly let himself into the zoo after hours so he could visit with the monkeys.
On June 2, when the employees at the Capron Park Zoo in Attleboro, which is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reported for work in the morning they believed someone had been on the premises after hours the previous night.
The workers reportedly found that one of the boats used for reaching two islands that house the lemur exhibit had been disturbed.
They watched the surveillance recordings from the night before and asserted that a man was inside the zoo and had tried to use the boat to get to the lemurs, but he was unable to operate it properly and ended up in the water instead.
The authorities were notified just before 9:00 am, and when they arrived they noted that a part of the fence surrounding the property had reportedly been breached.
While inspecting the premises, they reported that a wallet was discovered, and it allegedly belonged to 52-year-old Joseph Villa. The suspect also reportedly shed and left his clothing on land after coming out of the water.
About 2-hours after they were alerted about the incident, the Attleboro police ran into Villa while he was walking down the street.
When he was talking to the authorities about the allegations, Villa reportedly said that he had too much to drink the night before, and he wished to see the monkeys.
It was noted that Capron Park Zoo does not house any monkeys.
Villa was placed under arrest, and he was charged for suspicion of breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony, vandalism, and larceny of property less than $1,200.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a crime, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.