Man Arrested After Allegedly Throwing Dog From Third-Floor Balcony and Starting Two-Alarm Fire in Laurel, MD

The Prince George's County Fire/EMS has identified Floyd Rich V as the suspect in an incident in which a dog was allegedly thrown from a third-floor apartment balcony and a two-alarm fire later broke out at the complex in Laurel, Maryland.

Officials say the events unfolded on Dec. 7 in the 9500 block of Muirkirk Road. Authorities received a report about a dog being tossed from a third-floor balcony at approximately 2:35 p.m., and first responders were later dispatched to a reported fire there just before 9 p.m.

The Prince George's County Fire Department said Rich was charged with first-degree arson, as well as malicious destruction of property and reckless endangerment. Local outlets reported Rich was hospitalized in serious but non-life-threatening condition prior to being charged; he remained hospitalized as of the most recent local coverage.

According to a woman who spoke with FOX 5 DC, the incident followed a domestic dispute earlier that day. She told the station that the man “was having a manic episode,” and that the situation escalated — first, by allegedly throwing her dog over the balcony and then by throwing her personal belongings out of the apartment.

“The person in the house was having a manic episode. It started, first, with him throwing my dog over the balcony, and then my personal belongings.” — Woman Who Spoke To FOX 5 DC

Local reports say the dog is expected to survive. Video shared with news outlets showed a neighbor using a speaker and microphone to warn residents that the building was on fire. Displaced tenants received assistance from the Red Cross.

Prince George's County police had not immediately responded to requests for comment in the reports cited by local media. Coverage of the incident has come from FOX 5 DC, CBS Baltimore, WJLA and statements from Prince George's County Fire/EMS.

What We Know: Floyd Rich V has been arrested and charged in connection with both the alleged attack on the dog and the apartment fire. The dog is expected to survive, some residents were displaced and received aid, and the suspect was hospitalized before charges were filed.