Ringwood cops shot and killed dog that charged at them during traffic stop, officials say

UPDATE: Man accused of releasing dog on police officers faces aggravated assault charges

RINGWOOD — Two police officers shot and killed a pit bull that rushed them Monday after being released by its owner during a traffic stop on Greenwood Lake Turnpike, the department's chief said.

The driver, 54-year-old John Baker of Spring Lake, Florida, was hauling a boat on a tractor-trailer and let the animal off its chain during the stop, despite multiple warnings by police not to do so, Chief Joseph Walker said. Walker said the driver intended for the dog to attack the officers when he let it loose.

Wanaque police attempted to stop the tractor-trailer when it was driving erratically on Ringwood Avenue, but Baker refused to stop, Walker said. Ringwood police also responded and forced the driver to a stop.

Once Baker unleashed the pit bull, both officers fired their guns — with one officer shooting once and the other shooting four or five times, Walker said. The first shot that hit the dog did not stop it, he said.

Story continues below photo gallery.

"It was a big pit bull," the chief said.

Baker was expected to receive motor-vehicle summonses from Wanaque police and could face additional charges from Ringwood, Walker said.

Greenwood Lake Turnpike was closed between Skyline Drive and Skylands Road for the investigation.

The Passaic County Sheriff's Office responded and the Prosecutor's Office was notified, Walker said.

Anthony Zurita is a breaking news reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to all the major news happening in North Jersey, subscribe here. To get breaking news directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.

Email: zuritaa@northjersey.com Twitter: @AnthonyRZurita