Driver whose truck fell into Toms River faces charge

TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey state police say the driver of a pickup truck that went onto a frozen river, spun around repeatedly and then plunged through the ice with his dog inside has been charged with criminal mischief.

Andrew Mayer also may face animal cruelty charges because his 2-year-old boxer mix was found dead after the truck sank Sunday in Toms River.

Authorities say another man got out of the truck just before Mayer took it onto the ice and won't face charges. Neither man was injured.

A witness called police to say a vehicle had driven onto the river early Sunday. Divers found the truck in the water hours later.

Mayer doesn't have a listed phone number and can't be reached for comment. His friends and relatives say he loved the dog and tried to save it.
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