OLYMPIA, Wash. -- A 20-year-old Olympia man accused of shooting a cat with a blow dart could be charged with a felony animal cruelty, reported KIRO 7 Eyewitness News.

Investigators said they believe Christopher Melton repeatedly targeted animals in his neighborhood.

Dan Candlen said he couldn't believe it when he discovered someone had used a blow dart gun to fire a needle-sharp dart into his cat's neck.

Candlen called authorities, who said the investigation led to Melton's trailer.

"When this young man was confronted with it (the crime) he laughed and thought it was really funny," said Susanne Beauregard with Thurston County Animal Services.

Candlen said his cat, named Mr. P, was nearly killed by the dart.

"If the dart had gone in a quarter of an inch more it would have paralyzed him or killed him," said Candlen.

Investigators said Mr. P was just one of many animals that Melton shot at with blow darts from his bedroom window, where five blow darts were recovered below.

They also recovered the blow dart gun they believe was used in the attack during a search of Melton's car.

"I have no idea how many other cats or other small animals in the community have had to suffer this type of stupid cruelty," said Beauregard.

Mr. P is expected to make a full recovery and his owner said he is relieved to hear that Melton is being charged for shooting the cat.

KIRO tried to reach Melton for comment Tuesday but were unable to contact him.