Park Slopers To Mayor: Catch The Dog Killer Now

PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN — Park Slope residents want Mayor Eric Adams to help bring the killer of a beloved neighborhood pooch to justice, claiming both police and their local city council member are ignoring a crucial concern, according to a new petition.

A change.org petition launched Tuesday accuses 78th precinct officers of botching the case and leaving Park Slope pet-owners fearing for their safety in Prospect Park. In about 24 hours, it's been signed by more than 200 people.

"The NYPD have done virtually nothing to apprehend this man, though a number of concerned members of the community have called 911 with sightings of him wielding his stick at others," writes Lauren Dauro.

"In fact, the police have done nothing at all - in one case telling someone that the 'charges were dropped' ... a complete fabrication."

One signer commented on that it was "a shame we have NO ACTING police department in this neighborhood."

The petition comes two months after Moose the dog and owner Jessica Chrustic were attacked near the Prospect Park Picnic House by a man who beat the pair with a stick.

Chrustic told Patch Wednesday she’s never wavered in seeking an arrest and continues to work proactively with the 78th Precinct.

"There needs to a strong statement from the precinct that clarifies any and all miscommunication that the public has received about my cooperation, about the charges being filed and my commitment to making sure this individual is removed from the park, unequivocally,” Chrustic said.

“I am fully willing to cooperate."

While neighbors raised concerns about the suspect continuing to roam the park — and shared stories of violent past encounters — police told Patch Wednesday morning the department has "continuously taken investigative measures to bring the individual responsible to justice."

Those efforts include canvasses of the park, posting images of the suspect and increasing patrols in the park, said police, adding the department continues to work with Chrustic.

But Chrustic says her efforts to work with police last week only ended with frustration.

A woman caught sight of a person who looked like Moose's killer and sent her a photograph, which Chrustic and two others recognized as the attacker, she told Patch.

Chrustic tried to inform the authorities, but police didn’t respond, she said.

“I would say no effort was made, regardless of the precinct," Chrustic said.

“The goalposts keep getting moved as to how this man can be apprehended. I am trying very hard to meet them so that we can work together in a way that removes this man from the park.”

The petition also directs local ire at Park Slope Council Member Shahana Hanif, claiming she "expressed her greatest concern for the well-being of the attacker and not the man's victims," a comment made in reference to a private conversation Hanif reportedly had with a constituent.

Hanif, when asked for comment, did not address the mental health issue but detailed the work her office has done regarding Moose.

The Council member told Patch she reached out to Chrustic to offer support shortly after the attack and has been working with the neighborhood and local precinct.

“This is an incredibly disturbing and painful incident, and we’re hopeful whoever is responsible is held accountable soon," said Hanif. "We will continue to work hard to ensure Prospect Park is a safe place for everyone, and that includes our animal friends.”

Adams' office told Patch to direct its inquiries to the NYPD and did not respond to a follow-up email asking the mayor to address the petitioners' direct plea to his office.

Park Slope residents have tried taking matters into their own hands, but with little success. A botched community watch group met briefly and was then disbanded.

"If this man is not taken off the streets and out of the park someone else will be seriously injured in the future," the petition concludes. "It is inevitable."

Matt Troutman contributed reporting.