NJ Man Charged in Dog`s Death

A South Jersey man is under arrest in a strange story in which he allegedly hit a dog, then hid the dog's body inside the engine compartment of another person's car.

The dog's name was Rocky, a 5-year-old black Labrador. Police say Rocky was hit in Waterford Township by a car driven by 18-year-old Joseph Saracino. But instead of alerting police or the dog's owners, Saracino allegedly tossed Rocky into his car and took off for a friend's house in Winslow. Police believe he then stuffed the dog into a compartment of the engine in his friend's parked car. A passerby noticed the dog's head sticking out of the car's hood and called police.

Police were able to notify the dog's owners through information on Rocky's dog tags. The owners last saw their pet Saturday night when they let him outside.

Shannon Ricardo/DOG OWNER: "We don't have any children and we're planning on getting married soon and he was our baby, that was our child." Tom Tartamosa/DOG OWNER: "He was a loving dog, he wasn't mean or too aggressive."

Police have not said what led them to Saracino in their investigation, but they apparently believe his actions were part of some sick prank. Winslow police have charged Saracino with burglary to a car and harassment.

Saracino is being held on $10,000 bail. He may also face charges in Waterford Township where he allegedly struck the dog in the first place.

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Author: 6 ABC-AP