Secaucus Police Conclude Investigation Into Ex-Police Dog Clash

SECAUCUS, NJ — On Monday morning, Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Miller released the report on the police department's investigation into the April 19 dog clash where a retired Secaucus police dog, a German Shepherd name Strobe, got loose from his yard and got into a scuffle with two other dogs, both Lab mixes, on Paterson Plank Road.

What follows is a summary of the incident as investigated by Secaucus Police Capt. Scott Coar, who is the town's certified municipal humane law enforcement officer. Coar is the person legally required to investigate all dog attacks or dog bites that occur within the town of Secaucus.

Coar's investigation determined that no criminal charges will be filed against Strobe's owner, Secaucus Police Sgt. Vincent DeFazio. Coar's investigation was sent to the Hudson County Prosecutor, who reviewed it and agreed with Secaucus Police that no laws were broken. Also, the Secaucus municipal prosecutor agreed no charges should be filed against either of the dog owners.

Neither dog owner will receive any tickets or violations from the town.

The wife of the man who was walking the two dogs described what happened as an "attack" by Strobe on her dogs. But Coar's report depicts it as a clash or dog fight between all three dogs.

The man who owns the two Lab mixes was indeed bitten.

After he released this report to the media on Monday, Chief Miller said he would not be answering any further questions about this incident.

Miller's summary of the investigation reads exactly as follows (this has not been edited):

"Detailed herein below is a synopsis of the investigation conducted by Captain Scott Coar, a certified municipal humane law enforcement officer, for the animal incident that occurred on April 19, 2025 on Paterson Plank Road. The investigation consisted of interviews of eyewitnesses, employees of the veterinarian hospital, a review of video (both surveillance and body-worn camera footage), a review of photos of injuries to both dogs and one dog owner, interviews with both dog owners and visual observations of a trained humane law enforcement officer.

On April 19, 2025 Strobe, a privately owned domesticated pet, was able to get out of a fully fenced-in and gated area of the backyard of a private residence at approximately 1:24 p.m. It could not be determined how the gate leading to the secure fenced-in area was opened. However, I will note that there is ongoing construction being done next door to Strobe’s residence and construction workers have previously entered the property to pick up some construction debris. I will also note that since 2018 the Secaucus Police Department responded to approximately 102 instances of dogs getting loose from yards throughout town, which bolster the fact that it is a common occurrence.

In the area of Schopmann Drive and Paterson Plank Road, Ruddy and another dog were barking and pulling toward Strobe as if they wanted to play or sniff, before Strobe appeared to notice them. When Strobe noticed Ruddy and the other dog, he began to run toward them. An eyewitness stated that it appeared that Strobe was trying to “play” with the other dogs. The eyewitness further stated that Strobe “looked like he was scared” and did not give her the impression he intended to bite anyone.

Ruddy and the other dog’s owner saw Strobe approaching, who Ruddy’s owner does not personally know. Ruddy and the other dog’s owner was naturally concerned for the welfare of his dogs and began to pull them back while yelling at Strobe. All three dogs began jumping and circling each other and Ruddy’s owner. It appears as Strobe jumped, he landed on Ruddy with his paw. Although it cannot be said with absolute certainty, it is plausible, based on the evidence garnered, that Ruddy’s injury was caused by Strobe’s nail/claw rather than a bite. Ruddy then escaped its harness and ran to its residence. During the interaction all three of the dogs were running and jumping both into each other and Ruddy’s owner. Ruddy’s owner received a bite during this interaction.

The entire interaction lasted approximately 70 seconds. At approximately 1:31 p.m. the Secaucus Police were dispatched on a report of a loose dog and the first police officer arrived at 1:33 p.m.

Strobe followed Ruddy and the dog owner briefly, but then continued off on his own on Paterson Plank Road. Another independent witness reported to the police that she was near Hops Lane and she was approached by Strobe who “came over to her with his head between her legs” (to be pet), and she held his collar as he sat until the arrival of police, which was only minutes after being called. Additionally, this independent witness described Strobe as well behaved and not aggressive.

The matter and subsequent investigation was reviewed by an assistant prosecutor with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, who agreed that no criminal charges should be filed against anyone involved in this incident. Furthermore, the Secaucus municipal prosecutor also reviewed the matter and subsequent investigation. He also agreed that no charges should be filed against either of the dog owners. However, the ordinance relating to dog licensing would be handled by the Secaucus Health Department in the same manner as they are routinely handled.

Signed, Dennis Miller, Secaucus Police Chief

First report: Former Secaucus Police Dog Involved In Clash With Other Dogs (April 21)

Second report: Body Camera Footage Released In Ex-Secaucus Police Dog Clash (May 7)