- October 26, 2024
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Darren Kuback was arrested Aug. 17 after a Flagler County Sheriff's Office investigation determined that he had strangled the family cat to death.
The reporting party called the Sheriff’s 9-1-1 Center on Aug. 11, believing that Kuback was having a mental emergency. She stated he killed the family cat with his hands and he may be violent with law enforcement. Upon deputies’ arrival, Kuback was standing in the driveway requesting to go to the hospital and stating, “It’s too late.”
During the investigation, the reporter stated she last saw the cat at 6 a.m. Aug. 11 returning to the residence at 11:20 a.m. and noticed Kuback’s bedroom door was shut and locked. Kuback then exited the bedroom with the cat in his hands and laid it on the floor at the front door and advised he wanted to go to the hospital. Kuback was observed with blood on his hands, shirt and holding the cat, which was deceased.
The reporting party stated Kuback had not been acting normal for two weeks and she was planning on taking him to the hospital for an evaluation. She also described previous violent incidents when Kuback threatened to kill her and harm himself. She was unaware of why he’d want to hurt the cat because it was his cat and he loved it.
Kuback was transported to Halifax Hospital under a Baker Act.
On Aug. 13, a veterinarian from the University of Florida performed a necropsy and the death was ruled strangulation.
Kuback has a past with law enforcement. He’s previously been charged in Flagler County for Driving Under the Influence, Aggravated Assault, Resisting Officer Without Violence, Battery on Law Enforcement Officer, and Contempt of Court.
“This incident is a text-book example of how people escalate to more serious crimes,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “This guy needs help and unfortunately it was too late for his family pet. This type of behavior could be an early warning sign that something else is going on and is often how more serious crime starts. I hope the courts order him to get the help he needs before he seriously hurts or kills a human.”
The FCSO wants to remind residents that if they are dealing with a mental health crisis or have suicidal thoughts, you are not alone! There are numerous resources for help with mental health struggles in Flagler County. For more information visit http://www.flaglerlifeline.org/local-mental-health-services/ or call 800-273-8255. You can also visit: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
On Aug. 17, the Daytona Beach Police Department arrested Kuback on the active warrant and took him into custody. He’s being held at the Volusia Branch Jail and being charged with Felony Animal Cruelty. He’s being held on $100,000 bond.
