Kenneth Schenck could face an additional charge of animal cruelty.
By: Linda Seida
LAMBERTVILLE Police have determined a Buttonwood Street man shot a neighbor’s cat, and that his teenage son was not responsible despite the boy’s alleged bragging on a school bus that he had pulled the trigger.
Kenneth T. Schenck, 41, of 41 Buttonwood St. could face an additional charge of animal cruelty although the decision remains in the hands of the Hunterdon County prosecutor’s office, according to police Director Bruce Cocuzza said.
Mr. Schenck already has been charged with disorderly conduct in connection with the shooting and has a court date of Dec. 5.
"We will submit to them what we have, and they’ll decide if additional charges are warranted," he said.
Last week, Mr. Schenck was interviewed again by Lambertville police Sgt. Jeffrey Jones, although his son was not questioned again. The elder Schenck was "inclined not to" allow police to reinterview the boy, Mr. Cocuzza said.
Mr. Schenck was "adamant" that he was the one who pulled the trigger of the air rifle, Mr. Cocuzza said. Since being charged Oct. 10, Mr. Schenck has maintained he did not intend to hurt the cat. He shot the cat accidentally while aiming at squirrels that have been destroying his property, he said.
"I have no idea why the son bragged about it," Mr. Cocuzza said.
The statement given by the boy’s father is "pretty detailed," he added.
Mr. Cocuzza said an investigation conducted by Sgt. Jones concluded the son was inside the house when the shooting occurred. Also inside the house at the time of the shooting were the boy’s paternal grandparents, according to Mr. Cocuzza.
Sgt. Jones "checked the guy’s house," Mr. Cocuzza said.
He said, "The squirrel damage was substantiated. There is definitely evidence under the house and some evidence up high. He (Sgt. Jones) seems to feel pretty firm in the fact the guy did it."
A pellet shot from the air rifle caused the cat, Rosie, to suffer temporary partial paralysis. Rosie’s owner, Carolyn Evans, of 49 Buttonwood St. discovered her tortoiseshell cat dragging her feet behind her, trying to get home.
Rosie is recovering and no longer suffering paralysis. A veterinary specialist has recommended leaving the pellet lodged above her colon.
Mr. Schenck’s son, 14, had bragged to fellow students on a school bus that he had shot the cat, according to Ms. Evans. Two of the students reported his statements to Ms. Evans. She had posted fliers offering a $100 reward for information about the shooting.
First Assistant Hunterdon County Prosecutor Steven Lember did not return a phone call seeking comment.