Man charged after setting dog on fire

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) — A man is facing charges after police say he was responsible for setting a dog on fire in Nutbush last month.

Police say a dog named “Queen” was intentionally set on fire and completely engulfed in flames in the 1700 block of Hood Street on June 20 around 8 p.m.

Bluff City Vet Specialists, the veterinary hospital that treated the dog, reported that an accelerator was used. The dog, now called Riona, suffered from fourth-degree burns, covering around 60% of his body.

Riona was saved by Tails of Hope Dog Rescue. The Memphis-based dog rescue organization has offered a $20,000 reward for information on the suspect.

WREG reported that Riona is getting international attention from people around the world for her TikTok videos and her various colorful bandages.

Investigators said surveillance video showed a very tall man in the backyard of a Berkshire home just 36 seconds before Riona escaped and walked down Hood Street.

Police said on Monday that officers were told the man responsible for setting the dog on fire had told another person he was going to burn down the house of whoever gave the video to police and the news.

Quishon Brown was arrested and charged on Tuesday with aggravated animal cruelty, arson with setting fire to personal property and common assault.