Man wanted for setting dog on fire on Queens street

Police are searching for a suspect in the case of arson and animal cruelty
Police are searching for a suspect in the case of arson and animal cruelty. Photo credit NYPD

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Police are searching for a man who allegedly set a dog on fire on a Queens street last week and left the animal to die.

The NYPD released images over the weekend of the suspect wanted in the horrific crime.

According to police, the suspect was seen “dragging a motionless dog” down the street at 128th Street and 116th Avenue around 4:45 a.m. Thursday.

The dog was set on fire at 128th Street and 116th Avenue in South Ozone Park
The dog was set on fire at 128th Street and 116th Avenue in South Ozone Park. Photo credit Darius Radzius

He then poured an accelerant on the dog and set the animal on fire between two cars, police said. The dog did not survive.

The ASPCA is working with the NYPD’s Animal Cruelty Squad on the investigation.

Police said the man was seen carrying the "motionless" dog down a street
Police said the man was seen carrying the "motionless" dog down a street. Photo credit NYPD

Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa planned to distribute "wanted" flyers in the area with photos of the suspect.

Sliwa, who is also running on the "Protect Animals" independent line, said in a statement, "As Mayor, I’ll establish an Animal Welfare Services bureau in City Hall’s basement to ensure the NYPD and prosecutors pursue maximum charges for animal cruelty."

Police described the suspect as wearing a maroon sweatshirt with a “POLO” logo in tan lettering across the chest, as well as gray pants and a light brown “MCM” backpack.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.

Featured Image Photo Credit: NYPD