A Bergen County man has been charged with punching a police dog and Hudson County Sheriff's Officer in North Bergen, officials said.
JERSEY CITY -- A Bergen County man has been charged with punching a police dog and a Hudson County Sheriff's Officer in North Bergen, officials said.
Alexander Mendoza, of Cliffside Park, made his first appearance in Central Judicial Processing court Tuesday afternoon on the charges stemming from Sunday's incident at James J. Braddock Park. Mendoza spoke through a Spanish speaking interpreter during the court hearing.
According to a criminal complaint, the 24-year-old struck the officer in the head and body "multiple times with a closed fist." He then chocked and punched a police dog named Nikko, the court document states.
Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Catherine Healy argued that bail for the assault charges should be set at $10,000 with a 10 percent cash option. Mendoza's court-appointed attorney argued the defendant was walking through the county park late at night and Mendoza was "more confused than anything else."
Mendoza has no prior arrests. Judge Margaret Marley set bail at $5,000 with a 10 percent cash option. He is charged with aggravated assault on an officer, resisting arrest, and inflicting harm on a police dog.
Caitlin Mota may be reached at cmota@jjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitlin_mota. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.