Clearwater police arrested Olivia Merriex on animal cruelty and drug charges after finding a large tortoise living in squalid conditions during a narcotics raid Tuesday. Officers discovered the reptile among trash and debris in a roofless, deteriorating room with no visible food or water sources. The tortoise had lived at the property for over ten years after being left by the deceased homeowner. Police raided Merriex’s residence following her previous sale of Ecstasy to an undercover officer, seizing cocaine, Ecstasy, and DMP during the search. Multiple suspects fled as SWAT teams arrived, including a naked 36-year-old man who was caught and charged with resisting arrest. Merriex admitted narcotics sales occurred at the home she controlled after her grandfather’s death. She faces two felony drug charges plus misdemeanor counts. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium now cares for the rescued tortoise. (Story URL)
