VIDEO: Former Arizona Rattlers player left dog in locked car, police say

GLENDALE, Ariz. — A former Arizona Rattlers player could face criminal charges after he allegedly left his dog in a locked car, Glendale police said.

Officers were called to the parking lot of Desert Diamond Arena, where the team practices, on Sunday, just before 5:30 p.m., for reports of a dog trapped in a car for hours. 

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The person told police they had been there since 3 p.m. and had noticed the dog in a car. 

Officers found the dog in a car with a window slightly cracked and panting.

The person who called police told officers they tried to give the dog water because it was clear the dog did not have access to food or water.

While officers were on scene, Patrick Jones arrived and initially denied that the car belonged to him.

After admitting the car was his, officers told him he was not allowed to leave the dog in the car. 

Officers say Jones told them he was staying in a nearby hotel and had nowhere else to take the dog while he was at practice.

While talking with officers, he took the dog out of the car and told officers they could take the dog because he couldn’t take care of it, voluntarily surrendering the dog to officers. 

Officers told Jones they would be submitting charges against him and took the dog to an animal shelter.

According to the Arizona Humane Society, Glendale police brought the four-year-old Husky mix to a shelter in Peoria. The dog is doing well, said a spokesperson with the Arizona Humane Society. 

The Rattlers announced signing Jones on social media in October. The team has since released Jones. 

Kevin Guy, the Rattlers head coach, has released the following statement: 

The Arizona Rattlers are aware of an incident involving Patrick Jones that occurred on March 15. A decision to release Jones was made before the organization knew about the incident.  

As of today, March 16, Jones has not been charged with any crime related to the incident, but we are aware that charges may be filed later pending the Glendale City Attorney’s review of the incident. 

Mr. Jones was only in training camp with us for two practices.

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