New Jersey: Richard Rotkiewicz, 62, told police his handgun was legally registered and that he shot and killed a pit bull after it and another pit bull attacked him and his Pug. That didn't stop police from arresting him and taking him to jail(!)

NEW JERSEY -- On Sunday, a gray pit bull was shot and killed by a Linden man who was then jailed for unlawful possession of a weapon and unlawful discharge of a weapon within city limits, according to Detective Lt. James Sarnicki of the Linden police.

Richard J. Rotkiewicz, 62, told police his handgun was legally registered and that he shot the dog after it and another pit bull attacked him and his pet pug near Roselle Street and Monmouth Avenue.

The pit bull that was killed had a collar, but no tag, and police could not identify its owner.

Rotkiewicz posted bail of $22,500 and will appear in court on April 9.

(The Star-Ledger - April 5 2010)