Police arrest suspect accused of setting cat on fire in parking lot

Police arrested a man accused of setting an animal on fire in Orillia, Ont. last month.

Officers were called to a parking lot at the Colborne Street East and West Street South intersection on Sept. 16 for reports of a cat on fire.

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Police say they arrived to find the animal dead and an accelerant, prompting an arson investigation.

Days later, provincial police released a video of a person of interest seen leaving the area roughly 10 minutes before officers arrived.

According to police, the video captures the individual walking along the south side of Colborne Street East, crossing at a crosswalk, and then cutting through a gas station parking lot. Shortly after, police say the man reappears from behind a building where the incident happened.

Police say the public helped identify the suspect, a 29-year-old man from Orillia. He is charged with arson, mischief and cruelty to animals causing unnecessary pain, suffering, or injury.

Police have not said whether they know if the cat was a stray or someone's pet.