Man whose truck fell through ice arraigned in dog’s death

TOMS RIVER (AP) — An Ocean County man whose dog was inside a pickup truck that plunged through the ice on a frozen river has been given more time to decide whether he will represent himself.

Ocean County prosecutors say 28-year-old Toms River resident Andrew Mayer was arraigned Monday on charges of criminal mischief and animal cruelty.

During the brief hearing, Mayer reiterated his plans to represent himself. But state Superior Court Judge James Blaney advised him to apply for a public defender or hire an attorney.

Blaney subsequently adjourned the case to Dec. 7 so Mayer could to review documents and reconsider getting an attorney.

Authorities have said Mayer's 2-year-old boxer mix, Rolo, was found dead after the truck sank March 1. Another man got out of the truck before it went onto the ice. Neither was injured.

(Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed)