An 11-year-old boy is being credited with saving a cat after officials say he witnessed a man dump a bag off a bridge in Bridgeport.

Bridgeport Animal Control officials say the incident happened Wednesday on Knowlton and River streets.

Jonathan Aquino says he and his mom were out in their neighborhood Wednesday morning when he saw the man toss the garbage bag off the bridge.

Aquino says he and his mother soon heard loud meowing coming from the bag. That's when he opened it and found a taped up box with the cat inside.

The boy then flagged down a nearby police officer who brought the cat to Animal Control. Animal control officers say it's very possible the cat wouldn't have survived had Aquino not found it.

"We don't understand why people would do this to any animal. We're always willing to help," says Sgt. Stacey Lyons.

As a reward, Lyons let Aquino name the cat. He's now being called Ginger, and should be up for adoption in about a week provided no injuries emerge.

"You know, the story shows the worst in people, but also the best in people too," says Lyons.

Anyone with information is asked to call Bridgeport Animal Control at 203-576-7727.

The group Desmond's Army Animal Advocates is offering a $500 reward for information that leads to the person responsible.