SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - The woman who rescued an injured bobcat that was released back into the wild earlier this week said Thursday she is now facing charges for saving the animal.
Melody Kohl said she found the bobcat on a Poway road and when she went to help it she ended up in a confrontation with a sheriff's deputy.
The day of the rescue, San Diego County Sheriff's Deputy responded to reports of a body on Espola Road. In reality, it was Kohl on the road trying to rescue an injured bobcat.
Kohl said the deputy wanted her to move her car because it was blocking lanes and causing a traffic hazard. She defended her actions because, according to her, the bobcat was stressed and in her lap with a broken femur.
The deputy demanded she move out of the road or she would be arrested.
"He was scaring the bobcat. These are wild animals and it was reaching into my skin every time the cop would start shouting at me," she said.
Kohl was eventually able to move out of the road with the cat.
The deputy issued her a misdemeanor and on Wednesday she was charged for delaying a peace officer and driving on a suspended license.
Kohl said she wants witnesses to come forward.
The San Diego County Sheriff's Department said in a statement they appreciate the woman's efforts but drivers' safety was a bigger issue and the roadway needed to be cleared.
"All this is happening because I rescued a bobcat that the community rallied around," said Kohl.
She also said it was worth it to save the bobcat.