Elmhurst police charge man with cruelty to puppy

The staff at the West Suburban Humane Society has been spending an unusual amount of time on the telephone this week.

And almost all the callers are asking about the same thing: the possibility of adopting the 8-month-old male black and white puppy who, authorities say, was tossed out the window of a car stopped in traffic Dec. 10 at one of the region's busiest intersections in Elmhurst.

More than 25 potential owners will have the chance to meet the pooch just after the start of the new year, DuPage Animal Hospital manager Brian Jeffrey said Wednesday.

The puppy — who has been named Ralphie after the “Christmas Story” character — is in fine condition at the Villa Park facility, Jeffrey said. Ralphie will be vaccinated and neutered before being handed over to the humane society in Downers Grove.

A 26-year-old Chicago man, meanwhile, has been charged with “cruel treatment” of an animal after Elmhurst police said he threw the puppy out the window of his vehicle while stopped in traffic at North Avenue and Route 83. The dog was rescued by a resident who turned it over to employees at a nearby fitness center.

Sergiu E. Muresan of the 2400 block of Greenshaw Ave. in Chicago surrendered himself to Elmhurst police on Tuesday, authorities said, and later was released on bond pending an appearance in DuPage County court scheduled for 9 a.m. Jan. 24. If found guilty of the criminal “cruel treatment” charge, Muresan could face up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

In the meantime, the puppy should be ready to go home with his new owners after Jan. 2, according to Carolyn Mossberger, humane society executive director.

Questions about adopting the puppy — described by police as a mixed breed weighing about 45 pounds — should be directed to the society at (630) 960-9600.