Categories: U.S.

New Jersey state trooper accused of fatally shooting his dog, assaulting local police officer

close Video

Fox News Flash top headlines for March 31

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what’s clicking on Foxnews.com.

A New Jersey state trooper allegedly shot and killed his dog, vandalized a stop sign and assaulted a local police officer.

Alexander Lark was arrested Thursday in Wayne Township, New Jersey, and charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, criminal mischief and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. He was also charged with a municipal ordinance violation for discharging a firearm, while animal cruelty charges are pending, according to the Bergen Record.

Shortly before 1 a.m. on Thursday, residents at Lark’s condo complex called the police and reported hearing a “commotion” – possibly a gunshot – in one of the condos, the outlet reported.

DEMOCRAT MAYOR ARRESTED FOR DUI SEEN ON BODYCAM DEMANDING OFFICERS CALL POLICE CHIEF

New Jersey state trooper Alexander Lark allegedly shot and killed his dog, vandalized a stop sign and assaulted a local police officer. (Getty Images)

Several minutes after Wayne officers responded to the report, additional officers leaving the township’s police headquarters spotted a man in the front parking lot “acting erratically.”

The man, later identified as Lark, was destroying a stop sign in the parking lot, and the officers attempted to calm him down, Wayne Detective Capt. Daniel Daly said via the Bergen Record.

NEW JERSEY POLICE OFFICERS ACCUSE CHIEF OF TURNING DEPARTMENT INTO ‘ANIMAL HOUSE’: DOCS

Alexander Lark was charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, criminal mischief and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. (New Jersey State Police)

As officers tried to calm him down, Lark allegedly shoved one of them before he was taken to the ground and placed under arrest. He was then transported to a hospital for evaluation.

Lark appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance, according to an affidavit of probable cause, the Bergen Record reported.

Alexander Lark appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance. (Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Officers back at the condo complex entered Lark’s residence and found his deceased dog on the floor next to his Glock 43 service handgun.

Lark has been employed by the state police since 2017.

Share

Recent Posts

Covenant School trans shooter plotted Nashville attack for years, kept notebooks with plans: final report

close Video The Covenant shooting is 'eerily similar' to Sandy Hook: Mo Canady 'Fox News…

1 hour ago

Plane bounces on Tampa airport runway while trying to land, video shows

close Video Plane bounces while trying to land at Tampa airport Dramatic footage shows small…

1 hour ago

What is Trump’s new Liberation Day and what to expect April 2?

President Donald Trump declared Wednesday will serve as the nation's "Liberation Day," as he is…

1 hour ago

Booker called filibuster an ‘abuse of power’ years before setting Senate speech record

Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., condemned the Senate filibuster as an "abuse of power" in 2022,…

1 hour ago

FBI flooded with record number of new agent applications in Kash Patel’s first month leading bureau

FIRST ON FOX: The FBI received a record number of new agent applications in Director Kash…

1 hour ago

Judge blocks Trump admin from firing federal probationary workers

A federal judge blocked President Donald Trump's administration from firing federal probationary workers in 19…

1 hour ago