Reward offered for information after six dead dogs found dumped in a ditch in Will County

- Illinois, USA -

On March 3, 2026, workers with the Crete Township Highway Department were engaged in routine road maintenance and picked up several trash bags from a ditch near the intersection of Kings Road and Norfolk Avenue in Crete Township.

The workers took the trash bags back to their building without realizing what was inside. They later discovered six deceased dogs.

Will County State’s Attorney James W. Glasgow said: “They threw them in their truck, went back to their station. Thankfully, someone looked inside, or they would just go in the garbage.”

The workers called Will County Animal Protection Services and officers responded to pick up the bodies of the dogs.

After Animal Protection Services alerted the Will County Sheriff’s Office, Crime Scene Investigators photographed the deceased dogs and sent all the evidence to the lab to be tested for DNA.

Authorities said the dogs, all Pitbull-type between nine months to a-year-and-a-half old, had bite marks that showed signs of torture and dogfighting.

The Will County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release: “This is where our investigation currently stands. Unfortunately, there is no person-of-interest, no uncontaminated evidence and no video surveillance to be recovered from that area, which is heavily wooded”

“Our Detectives will continue to investigate and look for proper evidence that will help lead to the proper charges being filed in this case, but we need the public’s help”, stated the release.

To support the investigation, authorities are partnering with Will County Crime Stoppers to ensure that individuals can provide information safely and anonymously.

David Silverman of Will County Crime Stoppers said: “You can submit a tip without ever giving your name. We offer multiple ways to report information, and you may be eligible for a reward. If you know something, say something—your tip could make all the difference. Call our hotline at 800-323-6734”.

Alternatively, you can email your tips to Det. Lane at the Will County Sheriff’s Office. Thank you!

Additionally, First Secure Bank is offering a reward to encourage community cooperation.

Jay Bergman, chairman of First Secure Bank, said: “Our community deserves answers, and we are proud to stand alongside law enforcement in this effort. We are offering up to a $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest. Doing the right thing strengthens our entire community.”

Jay Bergman emphasized that the reward will be offered to anyone that provides a tip that leads to an arrest and charges.  A conviction is not necessary to claim the reward.

On Monday, April 20, 2026, during a press conference at the State’s Attorney’s Office in Joliet, Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow said: “Anyone who could do this to six living things is an incredibly dangerous person. I don’t want to diminish crimes against people for one second, but this is something out of a really bad movie.”

Jay Bergman reiterated his appeal to the community by saying, "... If you know something about this terrible crime, provide a tip. Call the Sheriff's Department or call Crime Stoppers". "And within several weeks, that person could be $5,000 richer. And if you go through Crime Stoppers, nobody's going to know who gave the tip. But more importantly, we'll get this sicko off the streets before he harms a person or an animal again".

Will County State’s Attorney James W. Glasgow stated in a press release: “This is not just an animal cruelty case—this is a public safety issue. The level of violence in this case is deeply disturbing, and research has consistently shown a strong link between individuals who harm animals and those who go on to commit violence against people. There is zero tolerance for this kind of cruelty in Will County—and we will not stop until there is justice.”

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press releases by the Will County Sheriff’s Office and the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

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