Nutley Residents Report String Of Unusual Incidents Involving Dogs

NUTLEY, NJ — Nutley residents reported a string of unusual incidents involving dogs to the local police department last week. The list included multiple bites, a dog who locked its owner out of their home, and a woman and her pooch who were chased by a fox, authorities said.

According to the Nutley Police Department, the following incidents were recently reported in the township.

April 17 (Injury, Booth Drive) - Police responded to Booth Drive in response to a man down. Upon arriving, they observed a 76-year-old man who had been walking his dog, face down in the street. The man was bleeding from his head, and witnesses stated they observed the man fall after losing balance. He was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

April 19 (Attempted Vehicle Theft, Rutgers Place) – A caller reported that he parked his 2016 Mercedes in the area of Rutgers Place to walk his dog. Upon returning, he observed a small black vehicle parked behind him, and saw a man wearing a windbreaker exit the car and attempt entry into his Mercedes. The man yelled “This is my car,” and the young man shouted back that it was his, before returning to the small black car and fleeing the scene. The victim reported that his keys were missing, and that he was unsure if the man took them or not.

April 20 (Animal Bite) - A 15-year-old boy reported to police with his dad that while playing behind Radcliffe School, he was bitten by one of two dogs that were running unleashed. After the attack, the boy could hear the owner calling the dog back, however, the owner left the scene. The boy was bandaged and treated. Later that day, the dog’s owner responded to police headquarters and provided all information for the dog that bit the child, proving the dog was vaccinated and licensed.

April 22 (Animal Incident) - A woman reported to police that she and her dog were walking through Memorial Park at 11:23 p.m. when they were chased by a fox. The woman ran onto a porch on Erie Place to get away and called police. Officers were unable to locate the fox, but did provide a courtesy transport home. No one was bitten or injured.

April 22 (Animal Bite) - A 32-year-old woman reported to police that she was bitten by a small dog that attacked her near Grant and Hampton. Police were unable to locate the owner of the dog. The woman visited a medical facility, and was advised that rabies shots will be needed because it’s unknown if the dog has been vaccinated.

April 23 (Locked Out Of Home) - Police responded to a residence after a “lock out incident” became suspicious. The caller reported that she and another adult friend were accidentally locked out of their home by their dog. In an attempt to regain entry, she tried a 24/7 locksmith that responded to the scene and wanted close to $1,000 sent via Venmo to them before they handed over the keys to a new lock set. After the resident was unable to transfer that much money, the locksmith left and retained the keys until payment was rendered. Police and fire crews responded to the scene and entered the home. Police then secured tools left behind by the locksmith, and advised the worker he can pick them up from police headquarters. Services from another locksmith were then arranged by the resident’s father.

April 23 (Dog Bite, Plymouth Road) - A 40-year-old woman reported to police that a Golden Retriever escaped from its yard and attacked her. The dog bit her on the back leg, causing injury. She was transported to an area hospital for treatment. The dog was quarantined and the owner issued summonses for having an unlicensed dog and a dog at large.

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