Toms River Man Whose Truck Fell Through Ice Indicted In Dog's Death

TOMS RIVER, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A New Jersey man whose dog was inside a pickup truck that plunged through the ice on a frozen river earlier this year has been indicted on animal cruelty and criminal mischief charges.

An Ocean County grand jury returned the indictment Tuesday against 28-year-old Toms River resident Andrew Mayer. He could face several years in prison if convicted on all counts.

Authorities have said Mayer's 2-year-old boxer mix, Rolo, was found dead after the truck sank March 1. Another man got out of the truck before it went onto the ice. Neither was injured.

A witness said the truck began spinning around in circles after reaching the center of the river. Investigators said Mayer had been joyriding on the ice.

Authorities said Mayer failed to notify authorities of what happened when he got safely to shore, which resulted in a huge rescue operation.

Several agencies, including a Coast Guard helicopter crew, responded to the scene and a rescue swimmer was lowered down. Divers found the truck in the water hours later.

Mayer's friends and relatives said he loved the dog and tried to save it.

He was released on his own recognizance and is set to appear in court on a later date.

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