Full Notification

INCIDENT TYPE: Animal Neglect

INCIDENT LOCATION: 2400 E 10^th St

COMMUNITY MESSAGE:

INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) detectives, in coordination with the Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS) officers, make an arrest after a dog was found frozen to death and thrown away in a dumpster.

Just after 2:45 p.m. on 01/30/2019, volunteers with Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside (FIDO), responded to 2400 E 10^th St to check the welfare of a dog that was allegedly left outside by the owner.  Upon arrival, the volunteer was able to locate the dog, which was dead, in a dumpster behind the location.

IACS and an IMPD detective responded to the location to investigate. Detectives began canvassing the area and conducting interviews. During the course of the investigation, it was revealed that the dog belonged to Gordon Turentine (62). Turentine admitted the dog was his and was a female dog named “Remy.” He went on to say that he had Remy for 10-years. Turentine allegedly found Remy frozen the morning of 01/30/2019 and then placed her in the dumpster.

Detectives were able to develop probable cause and obtained an arrest warrant for Turentine on 01/31/2019. This morning, 02/01/2019, East District IMPD officers and the investigating detective served the arrest warrant and took Turentine into custody without incident. Turentine was charged with animal cruelty and was also issued citations for improper care and treatment and unlawful disposal of animal. He was taken to Marion County Sheriff’s Office lock-up, processed, and released on his own recognizance.

This tragic incident is another reminder of the vulnerability that face pets in the care of their owners. Pets rely on their owners to ensure they are properly cared for, safe, and loved. When temperatures are extreme, whether cold or hot, bring pets inside. If you are uncomfortable, so are they. Those who treat animals inhumanely will be held accountable.

If you see an animal left out in the cold, please call the Mayor’s Action Center at 317-327-4622. If it’s at night, call 317-327-3811. If you are a pet owner who can’t afford to take care of your pet in this weather, there are resources available to help you. Please reach out to IACS and ask for assistance.

Anyone with information about criminal activity should call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317.262.8477 or (TIPS).  Citizens can also download the mobile P3tips app for Apple or Android phones to submit a mobile tip, or go to www.CrimeTips.org to submit a web tip. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000 if the information leads to a felony arrest.  Only tips submitted directly and anonymously to Crime Stoppers are eligible for these cash rewards. This release may be updated as more information becomes available. Information given via Crime Stoppers should be considered anonymous.

A charge of a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

*Note: Booking photo unavailable at this time.