Andrew L. Mayer, 28, of Toms River was indicted today (6/30) for 3rd Degree Animal Cruelty in the death of his dog and 3rd Degree Criminal Mischief for causing a substantial interruption in public emergency services.
His acts on March 1, 2015, purposely, knowingly or recklessly failed to provide necessary care for and protection of his dog, Rolo, from harm by driving his pickup truck onto the frozen Toms River and as a result the vehicle cracked through the ice and his dog died.
Mayer then failed to notify authorities of this incident when he got safely to shore, resulting in a huge rescue operation that took place for hours involving the United States Coast Guard’s Aviation Unit, The New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit, NJ State Police/local marine units, multiple local police departments, fire companies and First Aid squads from Toms River, Beachwood, Pine Beach and Island Heights.
Mayer is released on his own recognizance to appear in court on a future date. The maximum he could face on each charge would be five years in New Jersey State Prison.
Prosecuting attorney is Ocean County Assistant Prosecutor Heidi Tannenbaum-Newman. This case was a joint investigation by the NJ State Police, NJ SPCA, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, as well as the Toms River, Pine Beach, Beachwood and Island Heights Police Departments.
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