NJ Police Officer Investigated Over Facebook Posts About Dead Dog

Police have launched an internal investigation into one of their own over Facebook comments that appear to be about the death of a dog that was inside a pickup that sunk in a frozen river after the pup's owner allegedly drove it onto the ice.

Seaside Heights Police Detective Steve Korman tells the Asbury Park Press Sgt. Thomas Yannacone was off-duty when the posts were made.

One of the posts said: "Truck plunging thru the ice with a dog inside brings a whole new meaning to FROZEN WEINER or DIRTY WATER DOG...What, to soon, calm down u animal loving freaks..."

Yannacone will remain working during the investigation.

The dog's owner, 27-year-old Andrew Mayer, has been charged with criminal mischief and careless driving for allegedly driving the truck on the frozen-over Toms River. The dog, a young boxer mix named Rollo, was trapped in the backseat of the truck when it plunged through the ice.

A friend of Mayer who asked that NBC 4 New York not use his name said Mayer tried to get the dog out of the backseat before the truck crashed through the ice, but the dog was terrified -- and the vehicle sank so quickly.

"He would do anything for that dog, anything," the friend said. "That was his baby."

Mayer may also face animal cruelty charges. He declined NBC 4 New York's request for comment. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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