A New Jersey state trooper was arrested Thursday after allegedly shooting and killing his dog before fleeing his home and assaulting a responding officer. Trooper Alexander Lark, 30, was charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, criminal mischief, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
At around 12:55 a.m. Thursday, residents in Lark’s Wayne, NJ condominium complex reported hearing a commotion, including what they believed to be a gunshot. When officers arrived at the scene, they responded to the disturbance at Lark’s apartment, while other officers leaving the local precinct encountered Lark in the police parking lot, acting in an erratic manner.
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Wayne Township Police Captain Daniel Daly reported that Lark was observed damaging a stop sign in the parking lot. Officers attempted to calm him down, but according to a probable cause affidavit, Lark seemed to be under the influence of an unknown substance.
Lark allegedly became aggressive and shoved one of the officers, prompting other officers to subdue him and take him into custody. He was later transported to a hospital for an evaluation.
Back at the condo, officers discovered Lark’s dog dead inside the apartment. A Glock 43 service handgun was reportedly found lying next to the dog.
Authorities have stated that animal cruelty charges are still being considered against Lark, who remains under investigation.
