A Smyrna man faces multiple charges after his dog jumped from his vehicle and died on I-575 in Cherokee County.

The Details: Alfredo Seirotti, 44, turned himself in to the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center on March 14. Authorities charged him with abandonment of a dead animal, making a false statement, and improper disposal of a dead animal.

The incident occurred around 2 p.m. on March 13 near Ridgewalk Parkway, when passersby spotted a dog that had exited a moving vehicle and was struck by another car. Good Samaritans stopped to help the injured animal, but the dog died from its injuries.

Witnesses initially reported the dog may have been pushed, but investigators later determined the animal likely jumped from an open window in the back seat.

In Context: After the dog jumped from the vehicle, Seirotti allegedly exited the interstate and drove back to the scene but did not stop to help his injured pet. According to the Cherokee Marshall’s Office, when first contacted by investigators, he claimed he wasn’t in the area and that his dog was lost. He later changed his story through his attorney.

Cherokee Marshal’s Office identified Seirotti’s vehicle using witness accounts and the FLOCK camera system, which captures license plate data.

“We would like to thank the witnesses who stepped forward to assist in our investigation. They played an integral role in solving this case,” said Chief Marshal Dana Martin.

Seirotti was released on a $4,812 bond following his surrender.