Police looking for Middletown man who allegedly set fire to cat

The Butler County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a Middletown man who allegedly set a cat on fire last month using lighter fluid.

Kevin L. Sullivan, 32, is charged with animal cruelty, a fifth-degree felony, for an incident that took place on Sept. 19 on Howard Avenue, according to the sheriff’s office.

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When Middletown Police arrived on scene, one of the officers had to shoot the cat to put it out of its misery.

Sullivan initially lied to law enforcement, but an investigation led back to him as a suspect, police said.

“This is absolutely disturbing, and this guy definitely needs to be off the streets. I have a room for him here in my jail, where he needs to be. I don’t understand people who harm or torture a defenseless animal. It is a very cowardly thing to do said,” said Sheriff Richard Jones.

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Anyone with information about Sullivan’s whereabouts is asked to call the Butler County Sheriff’s Office at 513-785-1300.

Anonymous tips can also be sent by texting the word COPS to 274637.

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