Ridgewood Cops 'Neutralize' Attacking Dog Following Traffic Stop

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story listed the two officers who were allegedly assaulted by the dog and were forced to neutralize it. Ridgewood police have since said the officers mentioned were not the ones who neutralized the animal.

RIDGEWOOD, N.J. - A man was charged with assault with a deadly weapon after he ordered his dog to attack police officers during a traffic stop, authorities said.

Wilfredo Paduani, 38, was allegedly driving his car down Lincoln Avenue at five miles per hour Saturday night, police said, when he stopped at the intersection of Lincoln and Godwin avenues, police said.

Police officers attempted to talk to Paduani but he became "combative and assaulted" them, police said. Paduani's dog was inside the vehicle.

During the assault, Paduani allegedly ordered the dog to attack the officers. The dog, which was unsecured in the vehicle, jumped out of an open window and charged at the officers, police said.

Ridgewood police officers were forced to "neutralize" the dog, authorities said. The officers who Paduani allegedly assaulted were not responsible for neutralizing the dog, police said. The dog was taken to Oradell Animal Hospital for treatment.

Paduani was charged with aggravated assault, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, resisting arrest, obstruction of justice, terroristic threats, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance in addition to various motor vehicle summons.

Paduani was unable to post the $50,000 bail and he was transported to the Bergen County Jail pending his court appearance.