FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Somerset County) — A Middlesex County man is facing multiple charges after allegedly assaulting his dog and fleeing from police during a June 7 incident in Franklin Township, authorities said.
Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald announced that Dennis Storey, 62, of Perth Amboy was arrested June 10 in Perth Amboy and remains in detention pending trial.
According to McDonald, Franklin Township police responded around 7:18 p.m. June 7 to a 911 call reporting animal cruelty near Somerset Street. Witnesses told officers that Storey left his 3-year-old husky inside his vehicle while he entered a store. The dog escaped the vehicle and was found wandering in a parking lot. A passerby secured the dog outside the store.
Upon exiting the store, Storey allegedly approached the dog and repeatedly kicked and struck it. Witnesses said he continued striking and kicking the animal while returning it to his vehicle. He then reportedly used a saw to strike the dog before leaving the area.
Storey was later spotted driving in the area, but he eluded police during an attempted stop, striking a Franklin Township police vehicle before officers ended the pursuit.
Storey was located June 10 by Perth Amboy police on an unrelated warrant and turned over to Somerset County authorities.
He is charged with second-degree eluding; third-degree animal cruelty and hindering apprehension; fourth-degree animal cruelty, unlawful possession of a weapon, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, endangering another person, hindering apprehension, tampering with evidence, and criminal mischief; and disorderly conduct, a petty disorderly persons offense.
Storey was ordered held in the Morris County Jail pending trial following a June 16 hearing before Judge Peter J. Tober.
The dog was found at a local animal shelter and is being examined for injuries.
Authorities thanked Perth Amboy police and the concerned citizens who reported the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office at 908-231-7100, Franklin Township police at 732-873-5533, or submit anonymous tips through the STOPit app or Somerset County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477).
