HAMMOND, Ind. (WLS) — A new development has emerged in the case involving a viral video of a dog being transported in a trailer through Northwest Indiana’s icy conditions.

Back in February, the Indiana State Police launched a criminal probe after a video surfaced showing a dog inside an open trailer. The footage sparked widespread concern due to the cold temperatures.

The individual who recorded the video stated that he noticed the dog while driving eastbound on I-80/I-94, close to Calumet Avenue in Hammond, during a Tuesday morning commute.

The video included above is sourced from an earlier report.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Prosecutors report that the man admitted to placing the dog in the trailer along the NW Indiana interstate amid freezing weather conditions.

Prosecutors say Erik McClinton admitted to putting the dog in the trailer, but says he put a blanket over the dog’s cage that blew off.

He added the dog, named Midnight, was outside the truck because there were puppies inside.

McClinton was facing a misdemeanor charge of animal cruelty.

In November, court documents showed McClinton received deferred prosecution in the case. Meaning, the State of Indiana agreed to withhold prosecution of the case for six months, at which point they’ll dismiss the charges if McClinton complies with each and every term of the agreement.

According to the agreement, he must pay court costs and fees and “relinquish all ownership rights or proprietary interests in and related to the canine (“Midnight”) confiscated during the course of this investigation.”