Norman Man Wanted In Connection To Dog Found Abandoned, Malnourished

Cleveland County deputies are looking for a man in connection to a malnourished dog found abandoned inside an apartment in Norman, Oklahoma.

According to the Sheriff’s office, an arrest warrant was issued on July 20 for 24-year-old Joshia Marcellus Freeman. He has been charged with a felony count of animal cruelty.

Deputies responded to the animal abuse allegations on May 25. They learned two Elite Properties employees entered Freeman’s apartment, located at 1830 12th Avenue SE, on May 23 and found a dog kennel inside a small closet. The kennel door was pushed against the wall.

Inside the kennel, the workers found a 3-year-old Rottweiler without food or water. The dog was covered in urine and feces.

The employees said Freeman had been evicted from his apartment and was the only person on the lease.

The dog was taken to a veterinarian’s office. The veterinarian said the dog was about 30 pounds underweight and suffering from neglect.

Detectives said they have tried to contact Freeman multiple times. But they have not found him. If you have any information, call the Sheriff’s office tip line at (405)-701-8870, Crime Stoppers at (405) 701-8872, or you can send anonymous tips using the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office mobile app.

“Please help us find Joshia Freeman so that he can be held accountable for his actions,” Lester said. “This dog suffered from extreme neglect and was failed by her owner. No animal should ever have to go through this experience.”