Tow truck driver, Callen Sharp, accused of dragging dog

INDIANA -- A 48-year-old man is facing animal cruelty charges after he was seen dragging a dog from his tow truck, according to court records.

Callen L. Sharp, of Gary, was charged Tuesday with three counts of cruelty to an animal. He had his initial hearing Wednesday in the jail where he was appointed a public defender.

A county officer patrolling Sunday in the 2600 block of West Ridge Road in Gary was flagged down by residents who reported seeing a Samoyed dog being dragged by a red tow truck, according to the affidavit.

One witness said he was closing his business Sunday afternoon when he saw the dog, later identified as Timber, being dragged by the tow truck. He said the dog tried to get on his feet and at one point bounced on the curb, according to the affidavit.

After witnesses yelled at the driver, Sharp made a u-turn, then stopped to put Timber inside the vehicle, according to court records. One witness said Sharp shrugged at the witnesses who had been yelling at him.

When the officer spotted the tow truck after being flagged down, the officer noticed there was a substance that appeared to be blood inside the vehicle and on Callen's boots.

According to the affidavit, Sharp told the officer he forgot the dog was tied to his truck when he drove off.

Callen told officers he went back to his house and left Timber inside an abandoned vehicle so dirt wouldn't get on his wounds, according to the affidavit. Officers were able to find Timber inside the abandoned vehicle with the windows rolled up in the 2300 block of West Ridge Road.

Officers noticed the dog's feet were cut and the wounds to his legs were deep enough to expose some of his bones, according to the affidavit. As workers from animal control tried to lift Timber, he began whimpering and crying.

Workers had to carry Timber from the vehicle, because he was unable to walk on his own, according to the affidavit.

Timber had extensive injuries from the incident and a portion of his paw was going to be amputated, according to court records. Timber was taken to a Highland animal hospital.

Sharp was released Wednesday from the Lake County Jail after posting a $500 cash bail. His formal appearance in front of Lake County Criminal Judge Clarence Murray is scheduled for May 21.

(NWI Times - May 13, 2015)