ERIK VONDALE MCCLINTON JR arrested after viral video showed a dog in distress on the back of a speeding trailer

5 days ago2 min read

- Indiana, USA -

On February 11, 2025, the Indiana State Police were alerted to a Facebook post about an SUV traveling eastbound on I-80/94 from the Illinois state line that was pulling an open utility trailer with a cage and a dog inside who appeared to be in distress.

Police said that the cage was not strapped down and the vehicle was traveling at 70 to 80 miles per hour. According to police, the outside temperature at the time was approximately 26 degrees with windchills below that temperature.

Thankfully, a good Samaritan noticed the vehicle and being concerned about the dog’s condition, he called 911.

After a local reporter sent the Facebook post to the Indiana State Police Lowell Post, the post was forwarded to the Criminal Investigations Division and a detective immediately launched an investigation in an effort to locate the dog and the owner of the vehicle.

The detective found the dog, named Midnight, at a residence in Gary.

According to the press release by the Indiana State Police, Midnight “appeared to have been abandoned near a residence where the owner of the suspect vehicle had previously resided.”

An ISP K9 handler who was off duty was luckily in the area and he was able to gain Midnight’s trust resulting in her successful rescue.

Later that evening, the owner of the vehicle was identified as 37-year-old ERIK VONDALE MCCLINTON JR (pictured) and was interviewed by detectives.

On February 12, 2025, animal cruelty charges against MCCLINTON were then submitted to the Lake County Prosecutor's Office for review.

After being rescued, Midnight was first taken to the Hobart Humane Society and then moved to the Gary Animal Control Facility. Midnight is currently receiving much needed care in a foster home.

After the Prosecutor’s Office approved the charges against MCCLINTON, a warrant was issued for his arrest and on February 13, 2025, MCCLINTON was taken into custody.

Reportedly, MCCLINTON told investigators that he put Midnight at the back because he had puppies inside the vehicle and added that he had put a blanket on the cage but the wind must have blown it away.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Indiana State Police. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.