Lake County- On February 12, 2025, the Indiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division Lowell Post submitted charges to the Lake County Prosecutor's Office for review. This afternoon, the charge of Cruelty to an Animal- Class A Misdemeanor was approved. A warrant was requested and granted by a Lake County Judge. The suspect in this case has been identified as Erik V. McClinton, 37, who resides in Lake County, IN. Mr. McClinton is not currently in custody, but he has been asked to turn himself in to the Lake County Jail.
The canine that was being transported on the trailer is similar to a Cane Corso or Mastiff breed and his name is Midnight. Midnight was originally transported to the Hobart Humane Society and then later to the Gary Animal Control Facility. Midnight has since been placed in a foster home to receive needed care.
The Indiana State Police Lowell Post has received numerous calls, messages of concern, and requests to adopt Midnight. While we truly appreciate this outpouring of support, if he is put up for adoption it wouldn't be for some time. He will continue to be housed with the foster home until this case is adjudicated or unless otherwise directed by the court.
All suspects are presumed to be innocent until/unless proven guilty in court.
*Original news release is below.
ISP Investigating Endangered Dog Featured on Facebook Post
Lake County- On Tuesday, February 11th , the Indiana State Police were notified of a Facebook post of an SUV that was pulling an open utility trailer that contained a kennel that was unsecured to the trailer. Inside the kennel was a large tan/black dog that appeared to be in distress. The vehicle was traveling eastbound on I-80/94 from the Illinois state line. A good Samaritan noticed the vehicle and called 911 to report his concern about the dog’s condition. It should be noted that the outside temperature at the time was approximately 26 degrees with windchills below that temperature.
A local reporter sent the Facebook post to the Indiana State Police Lowell Post and it was forwarded to the Criminal Investigations Division. A detective immediately initiated an investigation and began an effort to locate the suspect vehicle and the endangered canine. Through his efforts, he located the canine at a residence in Gary, IN. The dog appeared to have been abandoned near a residence where the owner of the suspect vehicle had previously resided. With the assistance of an ISP K9 handler who was off duty but in the area, they were able to gain the dog’s trust and secure the dog. A neighbor identified the dog, and the search for the owner continued through the afternoon. Later in the evening, the owner was identified and interviewed by the detective.
Charges have been submitted to the Lake County Prosecutor's Office against a 37-year-old Lake County resident for the offense of Cruelty to an Animal - Class A Misdemeanor. If charges are approved, that individual will be identified as he is not currently in custody and not formally charged.
The Indiana State Police would like to thank the good Samaritan who alerted law enforcement of this incident. The dog is currently being housed in a foster home and is receiving much needed attention.
