Police have arrested a teenager who is accused of trying to set a kitten on fire in Chester on Saturday. The 6-week-old kitten, nicknamed Cuddles by the animal-control officer who rescued it, died Monday.
Rishawn Levintino Morrison, 19, of the 1100 block of Galbreath Avenue in Upper Chichester, was arrested yesterday morning at Upper Chichester High School, said Capt. Joseph Massi of the Chester Police.
Morrison is charged with animal cruelty and disorderly conduct. He was being held at George W. Hill Correctional Facility in Delaware County, according to a prison official. His bail was set at 10 percent of $50,000, Massi said.
Morrison was one of 10 to 15 teenagers in an alley in the 700 block of East 5th Street at about 5:30 p.m. Saturday, police said. The kitten began to walk among the teenagers, and Morrison allegedly began pelting him with pebbles, Massi said. Morrison then picked up the cat by its fur and tried to set it on fire with a lighter, police said.
Massi said the other teenagers who witnessed the abuse were taken by surprise.
Several citizens provided information that led police to Morrison, and two witnesses identified him in photographs, Massi said.
Contact staff writer Joelle Farrell at 610-627-0352 or jfarrell@phillynews.com.
|
|
|
|
|
|
MOST POPULAR PHILLY.COM PHOTOS
NEWS
Philly.com Promotions
