Wall Police: No Charges In Dowd Investigation

Wall Township police have declined to file charges against former New Jersey Devil Jim Dowd, who was accused of kicking one of his players at a hockey game last week.

According to a news release from Police Chief Robert Brice, “The Wall Township Police Department has concluded its investigation into the allegations against Manasquan Hockey Coach, Mr. James Dowd.

“As a result of that investigation, there will be no charges filed by the Wall Township Police Department,” the release states.

“ The investigation was initiated after a parent of a player signed a private citizen complaint against Dowd for simple assault while acting in his capacity of a coach. The private citizen complaint summons for simple assault will be adjudicated at a later date in Wall Township Municipal Court,” the release states.

The citizen complaint is separate from the police investigation and still must go through the judicial process, Wall Lt. Pete Lokerson said.

Dowd, head coach of the Manasquan-Point Pleasant Beach cooperative ice hockey team, was temporarily relieved of his head coaching duties on Monday, after word of the complaint, filed on Saturday, Jan. 10, became public.

Brice issued a statement Tuesday saying the complaint alleged Dowd, 46, had kicked a 16-year-old player on the Manasquan team in the back at the Warriors’ game against Red Bank on Jan. 7 at Jersey Sports Arena in Wall.

Dowd, who starred at Brick Township High School and Lake Superior State University in Michigan, spent 17 years in the NHL, and helped the Devils win the 1995 Stanley Cup against the Detroit Red Wings.

Read more:

Letter To The Editor Defends Dowd