Teen Charged After Year-Long Animal Attacks with Blow Darts

A Strange and Disturbing Pattern

The story begins with a seemingly peaceful scene in a Vancouver-area neighborhood, where rabbits hop around as if they belong there. However, this tranquility is disrupted by a series of strange incidents that have left residents shaken. For over a year, people living in the area have been finding blow darts stuck in animals, an occurrence that initially seemed random but soon revealed a disturbing pattern.

Shelby Slaughter, a reporter for KATU News, highlights that these incidents began in November 2024, with repeated reports of injured rabbits and other small animals. What started as a few odd discoveries has evolved into a long-running issue that has deeply affected the community.

The Community’s Response

Residents in the area have expressed their concern and connection to the animals, viewing them as part of their daily life rather than mere background scenery. One neighbor, Ryan Scott, describes the rabbits as integral to the community, noting that people leave out food when it gets colder, feeling responsible for the little “critters” around them. This sense of responsibility led Scott to walk the neighborhood monthly, searching for darts and staying alert for any signs of trouble.

This level of involvement reflects a community that is not only aware of the problem but also actively working to address it. It’s a testament to the impact these incidents have had on the people who live there.

Incidents Spread Beyond Vancouver

Slaughter’s investigation reveals that the issue extends beyond the Vancouver neighborhood. Court documents show multiple incidents at Lewisville Regional Park in the Battle Ground area, where squirrels were found with darts lodged in them. One particularly disturbing report details a squirrel with a dart in its jaw, still trying to eat. Another incident involved a squirrel with a dart in its neck, followed by another call about a squirrel with a dart through its back.

These incidents are not always large or obvious, but they are noticed by those who pay attention. People are seeing these animals up close and recognizing the darts, which makes the situation even more unsettling.

A Wider Scope of Cruelty

The scope of the cruelty is further widened by the discovery of a woodpecker killed by a blow dart. This detail shows that the problem is not limited to rabbits or squirrels; it involves multiple types of small animals across different locations. The persistence of these incidents over time has made the story particularly impactful, highlighting a long-running issue that keeps resurfacing.

The Arrest and Charges

According to Slaughter’s reporting, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office has charged an 18-year-old from Battle Ground, Trevor Ek, with first-degree animal cruelty. Ek appeared in court earlier this week, and investigators believe the incidents were not confined to one small pocket of Vancouver but extended into parks and other areas as well.

This case has moved from a local rumor to a countywide public safety and cruelty issue, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

A Disturbing Admission

Slaughter’s reporting takes a darker turn when deputies reveal that Ek admitted to shooting darts at the animals and stated he “enjoys killing small animals.” This admission raises serious concerns, as it suggests a motive rooted in enjoyment rather than anger or self-defense. Such statements often trigger broader conversations within the community about what else someone like this might be capable of.

Ek also admitted to shooting animals in other locations, though he did not specify where. This vague admission leaves many wondering if there are more victims or areas yet to connect their incidents to this case.

The Role of Animal Control

Clark County Animal Protection and Control played a crucial role in connecting the dots. A spokesperson from the agency provided a statement detailing how the case developed. According to the statement, the lead animal control officer, Paul Batchelder, investigated the park, collected evidence, and talked to witnesses. He identified similarities between incidents and provided case history and evidence to law enforcement partners.

Goddard, the interim manager, praised the team for their efforts in preventing cruelty and neglect, noting that the case is now being handled by the criminal division of the Clark County Prosecutor’s Office.

Why This Story Sticks With People

Slaughter’s story resonates because it goes beyond law enforcement making an arrest. It highlights a neighborhood living with a lingering sense of menace. The darts themselves are a peculiar detail—quiet, precise, and easy to carry. Without neighbors paying attention, this could have continued for much longer.

The targeting of non-threatening animals like rabbits and squirrels adds to the unsettling nature of the case. When someone hurts them, it feels like cruelty for cruelty’s sake, prompting strong reactions from the community.

The Community’s Role and Warning Signs

Neighbors describe the rabbits as “part of the community,” a sentiment that explains why people got involved. Ryan Scott’s actions—walking the neighborhood and looking for darts—show the depth of concern and commitment.

There is also an uncomfortable truth that hangs over stories like this: animal cruelty is often seen as a warning sign of deeper issues. While not every person accused of harming animals escalates to violence, the fact that someone allegedly enjoys killing small animals triggers serious fears within the community.

What Happens Next

Shelby Slaughter reports that Ek has already appeared in court and is facing first-degree animal cruelty charges, with another court date coming up. The case is built on repeated incidents, evidence collection, and a timeline spanning over a year.

If the allegations hold, the most important outcome is prevention—stopping the behavior before there are more injured animals. For neighbors who have spent a year finding darts and injured animals, an arrest is not closure, but it is the first moment in a long time that feels like the situation is finally moving in the right direction.