Alleged Stubborn Dog Owner Snubs Cops’ Orders, Faces Varied Charges

STONE HARBOR – While conducting a beach run in the police quad Aug. 19 at 6:23 p.m., Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO) II Adam Thistle and SLEO II Richard Argenziano observed an individual on the 114th Street beach with a dog during prohibited hours and unleashed.
When they approached the individual to advise him of the local ordinance violations, the individual responded, “Have a nice day!” and continued to play fetch with the dog in the surf. When the officers attempted to obtain his identifying information, the individual yelled at the officers that they needed to learn the federal laws because he was on federal property and not Stone Harbor’s property. He then told the officers to get off of the beach.
The officers requested a supervisor to the scene and Sgt. Robert Walker and Officer Zoltan Garay arrived. Sgt. Walker informed the individual of the ordinance violations and when asked for identifying information, the individual refused and continued to insist the officers were on federal property. He was advised he would be placed under arrest if he did not comply and he told the sergeant to get off of the beach. The individual was advised he would be placed under arrest if he did not comply.
The individual began to walk away from the officers into the water when he was advised he was under arrest for obstructing the administration of law. The officers followed and when they grabbed his arm he resisted and struck the sergeant in the chest with his elbow. They both ended up in the surf on the ground before he could be secured.
The individual, now known as Richard Brys, 69, of Middle Township, was arrested and transported to the station. He was processed and charged with aggravated assault on police, resisting arrest, obstruction of law, hindering apprehension, unleashed dog, and dogs prohibited on the beach.
A warrant was sought and authorized with $5,000 cash bail. He was transported to the Cape May County Correctional Center. The dog was transported to the station and released to a family member.
No dogs are permitted in the borough unleashed in public and are only permitted on the beach (80th to 122nd Streets) from 7 p.m. until sunset during the summer months.
This case is pending review by the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. This report is based on information received from law enforcement.