A Tuckerton police officer was arrested for "unjustifiably" allowing his K-9 to attack a suspect in January.

Gunner, a K-9 with Tuckerton Police (Tuckerton Police)
Gunner, a K-9 with Tuckerton Police (Tuckerton Police)
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The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office in a statement said that Cpl. Justin Cherry, 31, surrendered to Barnegat police this week on charges of misconduct, and aggravated assault during a police stop.

Cherry put on his police lights on a 57-year old Barnegat woman driving in Tuckerton. She drove to the Barnegat Municipal Complex where she was taken into custody by two Barnegat officers. As those two officers watched, Cherry allegedly allowed his K9 to "unjustifiably" atttack and bite the woman. He is also accused of falsifying his police reports to hide the incident and justify his actions.

Previously, Justin was cleared by police of charges he used excessive force during a 2011 shooting.

The officer posted bail and was released. He has been suspended without pay according to the Asbury Park Press.

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