A man was recently released from the Bergen County jail after being arrested for several alleged weapons offense incidents. He was arrested for having two cross bows and 60 six-inch arrows.
Witnesses said that a man was shooting geese, but at the time, authorities could not find an injured goose.
Since the man has been arrested, authorities found a goose with an arrow through the webbing of its feet. At the time of his arrest, police noted that he had the smell of alcohol on his breath. The man was also charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and disorderly conduct.
Police also found a four-inch switchblade, a 10-inch knife and a four-inch knife on the man's person. A duffle bag found during a search contained plastic shopping bags and a sleeve of crackers. At the time, the man told police he was target shooting.
According to police, the man later changed his story and said he used the weapons for protection. The man was released on a $20,000 bail.
Two days after the man posted bond, the police got a call about an injured Canada goose in the area. The goose had the arrow stuck in the webbing of its foot. The goose was taken to the animal shelter for treatment.
After an investigation into the injured goose, authorities have filed additional charges against the man. Authorities said that their investigation revealed that the goose was shot by the man. They charged the man with animal cruelty, which is a fourth-degree charge that carries a sentence of up to 18 months in state prison. The man was released on a $10,000 bail.
Source: NorthJersey.com: "Wounded goose tied to crossbow-wielding suspect in New Milford," March 22, 2012