Dog Dies From Heat, Shorewood Motel Guest Arrested, Released

SHOREWOOD — A 52-year-old man from North Carolina was released by the Shorewood Police Department under the SAFE-T-Act in connection with the death of his dog from excessive heat.

The dog was found inside the defendant's Chevy Tahoe while the North Carolina man went shopping for a couple of hours while staying at Shorewood's Econolodge, Shorewood Police Chief Phil Arnold said in Wednesday's press release.

Arnold said Garland Norris was arrested after the dead dog was discovered Tuesday afternoon at the Econolodge along the frontage road near Interstate 55.

According to the chief, Shorewood officers were conducting an unrelated investigation at the Econolodge when they saw the dead dog in a pool of urine while crated inside the back of the Chevy Tahoe, which was not running in the parking lot of the motel.

Tuesday's outdoor temperature peaked at 92 degrees in Shorewood.

Shorewood police tracked down Norris, who owned the Chevy Tahoe, as well as the dog; the North Carolina resident was staying inside the Econolodge.

"Norris eventually admitted to officers that he had left the dog in the vehicle while shopping for about two hours and found it dead when he returned to the car. He also stated that he was going to try and find a veterinarian the next day to dispose of it," Arnold announced in his press release.

Will County Animal Protection Services took the remains of the dog for forensic exam. Norris was charged with cruel treatment of animals, a Class A misdemeanor. Norris’ first court appearance is set for August 20, at 9 a.m. in room 202 of the Will County Courthouse, Arnold advised.

Because Shorewood's officers did not take Norris into custody, the police department does not have a mugshot available for the North Carolina defendant.

"He was released at the scene in compliance with the pre-trial fairness act after being identified," Chief Arnold notified Joliet Patch on Wednesday.