Man Accused Of Locking Dog Inside Container Turns Himself In

ROSWELL, GA — The man accused of leaving his malnourished dog inside a plastic storage container at a hotel in Roswell has turned himself in to authorities, Roswell police spokesperson Lisa Holland said.

Alton Coates of Macon was booked into the Fulton County Jail on May 20 on one count of aggravated cruelty to animals. He was released on a $2,500 bond on Tuesday, May 22, jail records show.

Roswell officers on May 16 were dispatched to Studio 6 Motel at 9955 Old Dogwood Road and met with hotel staff, which said housekeeping staff found the dog locked inside a plastic container.

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Officers removed the dog, who did not have any access to food or water, Roswell police added, and transported the pup to Chattahoochee Animal Center on Alpharetta Street for emergency care.

An arrest warrant was issued for Coats soon after the discovery. According to Chattahoochee Animal Center's Facebook page, the dog has rebound and is under the care of a rescue.

Photo: Alton Coates. Credit: Roswell Police Department