Man Wanted On Wall Warrant Charged With Punching K-9 Officer

An Ocean County man who was wanted on a warrant out of Wall Township -- in addition to a $118,000 warrant for unpaid child support -- is facing additional charges after he punched a K-9 officer in the head, police said.

Edward Ross, 42, of Little Egg Harbor Township, is being held at the Ocean County Jail, Toms River, in lieu of $128,000 bail, on three counts of willful nonsupport, one count of resisting arrest by flight, and one count of inflicting harm on an animal law enforcement officer, according to Ocean County Corrections records.

Little Egg Harbor Cpl. Christopher Arciniegas said Ross was arrested Thursday when a citizen flagged down Officer Matthew Kline about 11:30 a.m. and told Kline that Ross had just gone by in a silver car. Kline found the car on Beach Drive, and as he approached Ross got out of the car and ran into the woods, Arciniegas said.

K-9 Officer Matthew Pretty and his K-9 partner Sully were called in and tracked Ross and found him hiding behind thick brush, he said.

Ross ignored commaned to come out, instead trying to run away, and Sully apprehended him. Ross punched Sully in the head during the struggle, Arciniegas said, but the dog was not injured.

Ross was taken to Southern Ocean County Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries and then to the Ocean County Jail, where he is being held on the $118,000 child support warrant, plus an additional $10,000 bail set on the charges of resisting arrest and punching Sully.

Officers Todd Jillson, Steve Martin and Eric Nelson also assisted, Arciniegas said.