Man gets citation after smashing car window to rescue dogs

WKYC-TV, Cleveland

Show Caption Hide Caption 5 life-saving reminders about hot cars A new study finds that hot cars can become deadly in as little as an hour for children and pets trapped inside.

PARMA, Ohio – An Ohio man is facing charges after doing what he thought was a good deed.

On Saturday afternoon, Richard Hill, of Parma, Ohio, was leaving Walmart when he noticed people standing around a car concerned for two dogs inside.

Hill said one bystander called 911 while another went into Walmart to ask the vehicle owner to come outside.

Hill, an avid dog lover, truly believed the dogs – one was a 2- to 3-month-old Dalmation – in the car were in danger.

"I did not know how long it was going to take for them to get there," said Hill. "And I really felt that ... I needed to see if that puppy was OK."

July 17: What happens in your brain when kids are left in cars

May 25: Study: Hot cars can hit deadly, oven-like temperatures in as little as one hour

Hill, a contractor, took a hammer from his van and broke the window to rescue the dogs.

Moments later, police arrived.

"The officer told me that I should have waited. That I had no right to break that window," Hill said.

But Hill didn't know the dogs had only been left in the car for eight minutes, according to surveillance video.

Officers cited Hill with criminal damage, a misdemeanor, despite Hill believing he was doing the right thing.

"This situation right here, is what deters people from actually stepping up and doing the right thing," Hill said.

May 24: Dad left on a business trip not realizing his daughter was still in the back seat of his pickup

May 18: Dad accused of leaving child in hot car can't be alone with kids if he gets bond

Ohio law says a person is immune from civil liability if:

The vehicle is locked and there's no way for the animal to exit;

They believe forcible entry is necessary because the animal is in imminent danger;

They've already contacted emergency services;

They stay with the animal in a safe location;

They used no more force than necessary.

An Ohio law gives immunity to anyone who breaks a window to rescue an animal or child.

Hill has a court date Aug. 15.

Follow WKYC-TV on Twitter: @wkyc