An Indiana man has been detained following the circulation of a video depicting a dog in distress on the back of a trailer speeding down an expressway. According to FOX 32 Chicago, Erik V. McClinton, 37, from Lake County, faces animal cruelty charges, a Class A misdemeanor, after being arrested on Thursday night. The arrest comes in the wake of a video going viral, in which McClinton's dog, Midnight, can be seen shivering in a cage without protection from the chilling winds while the trailer was traveling at high speeds.
The distressing footage was recorded by Ryan Jackson on I-80/I-94 near Calumet Avenue, who observed the dog, resembling a Cane Corso or Mastiff breed, confined to a cage that was caught shifting unsecured on the trailer. Without hesitation, Jackson, reporting the SUV's license plate number to the Indiana State Police, told NBC Chicago, "I was heartbroken at first,” Jackson said. “I really couldn’t believe that someone would treat their animal that way."
Indiana State Police ran the information and found the dog in Gary, Indiana, at a former residence of McClinton. After a heartfelt rescue, Midnight has been placed in foster care and is reported to be receiving the care he needs. Sgt. Glen Fifield of the Indiana State Police noted the dog "appeared to be abandoned" and commended the Good Samaritan for his actions. Sgt. Fifield also extended praise to the detectives and the off-duty K-9 officer whose quick response to the incident allowed for the dog's swift recovery.
The viral nature of the video has attracted considerable attention from the public, with many expressing their support and an abundance of inquiries regarding Midnight's adoption. However, the Indiana State Police, according to FOX 32 Chicago, clarified that Midnight would stay in foster care pending the outcome of McClinton's legal proceedings, or unless otherwise decided by the court. Arrested on Thursday night, McClinton's charges were filed after detectives tracked him down and submitted their findings to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.
