QUEENS, N.Y. – A 29-year-old man has been arrested for a horrifying act of animal cruelty in South Ozone Park, Queens, where he allegedly set a pit bull on fire in the street, police said.
Isaiah Gurley was taken into custody Monday evening after a shopper at Queens Center Mall recognized him from surveillance footage, identifying him by the distinct maroon POLO hoodie he wore during the incident. NYPD officers arrested him around 8:20 p.m. following the tip.
The gruesome incident occurred at around 4:45 a.m. Thursday near 128th Street and 116th Avenue. According to police, Gurley dragged the lifeless dog into the street, poured an accelerant over its body, and set it ablaze, leaving it burning in public view.
When officers arrived, the brindle-colored pit bull was already deceased. Authorities are still determining whether the animal was alive when the fire was started. A necropsy is underway to confirm the cause of death.
Gurley now faces multiple felony charges, including:
Aggravated cruelty to animals
Reckless endangerment
Torturing or injuring an animal
Failure to feed an animal
Arson with intent to damage property
Authorities have not confirmed whether Gurley owned the pit bull. He also has a prior arrest from December 17, 2019, in Brooklyn for assault.
The investigation continues as officials seek justice for the dog and evaluate potential further charges.
