DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Pinellas County deputies are still trying to find a driver who is believed to have intentionally killed a beloved Gopher Tortoise in Dunedin last weekend.
- Driver still sought in tortoise death
- Tortoise intentionally run over
- Tortoise was school's unofficial pet
- Surveillance video here
Jose the tortoise was an unofficial pet at San Jose Elementary School in Dunedin. On Saturday, Aug. 11, school surveillance footage caught a light colored Acura stop, then accelerate, as the tortoise crossed the parking lot. The vehicle ran over the tortoise, killing Jose.
For students, visiting Jose and its companion, Sandy, was an after school ritual. Kids and parents are saddened and concerned over the incident.
"I think it's sad and I think it's scary because if you don't know who it is, we have to watch our kids a little bit," Parent Melissa Pennino said.
Crime Stoppers is asking for your help in identifying the person responsible for the tortoise's death. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-873-TIPS.