GLOUCESTER TWP. — The man accused of causing the death of Schultz, the since-hallowed police K-9 dog killed during a 2010 incident, will not serve time in prison, authorities announced.

Skyler Robinson, 22, of Sewell, will instead be allowed to attend a drug treatment program. Robinson was scheduled to go to trial next week, on charges stemming from a Nov. 30, 2010 alleged robbery.

Authorities said he swung Schultz into oncoming traffic as the K-9 gripped his arm during an ensuing chase. The dog was struck by several cars and died at the scene.

Robinson is avoiding prison time because of a new state law that just took effect Jan. 19. The law extends rehabilitation, as an alternative to time behind bars, to those charged with second-degree offenses — like the robbery charge against Robinson.

He applied for drug treatment as a diversionary program, and Superior Court Judge Thomas Brown on Thursday granted his request.

The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office opposed Robinson’s admission to the program. But under the new law, only a judge can approve or deny admission.

Robinson was able to be considered for the program because the alleged robbery did not involve a weapon, authorities said, and Robinson doesn’t have a prior history of violent offenses.

Robinson got into trouble when, according to authorities, he and another man robbed the Lucky Dragon restaurant in the 400 block of East Church Street. He and his codefendant, Evan Scotese, allegedly fled the restaurant with cash, after Scotese punched an employee in the face.

Gloucester Township Police Cpl. Mark Pickard, Schultz’s handler, chased Robinson toward Route 42 and reportedly ordered him to stop, warning the suspect he had the K-9 with him.

He released Schultz, who eventually caught Robinson. The accused allegedly punched the dog in the head, forcing him to release his grip. But the K-9 caught him again.

Robinson swung Schultz in the path of traffic during the struggle, police said. Both were struck by a car, and Robinson fled. But Schultz was hit by at least three more vehicles, police reported, and was found in a grass median.

He died at the scene. The incident inspired its own state law, one that raised causing a police animal’s death to a second-degree crime. But that statute, which went into effect after Robinson was charged, doesn’t trump the diversionary program law.

Judge Brown also ruled, however, that Robinson must plead guilty to enter the Drug Court rehabilitation. He’ll also get prison time if he doesn’t complete the program.

Scotese, on the other hand, was sentenced in 2011 to six years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree robbery. He must serve 85 percent of that term before he’s eligible for parole.

Contact Joe Green at 856-845-3300 ext. 253 or jgreen@southjerseymedia.com