On October 1, 2026, Detective Adam Guker of the Manchester Township Police Department Investigations Bureau charged William Bevan Jr., 67, of Whiting, NJ, with Third-Degree Animal Cruelty, in violation of N.J.S.A. 4:22-17(c)(2), following an investigation into the death of a dog in September.
On September 3, 2026, at approximately 9:00 PM, officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to a residence on Norwalk Avenue for a report of a deceased dog located in the driveway. Upon arrival, officers located the deceased dog and began investigating the circumstances surrounding the dog’s death.
The investigation was subsequently turned over to Det. Guker, who also serves as a Humane Law Enforcement Officer (HLEO), a specially trained officer responsible for investigating allegations of animal cruelty, neglect, and abuse. As part of the investigation, detectives conducted multiple interviews, completed additional investigative follow-up, and arranged for a necropsy to assist in determining the circumstances surrounding the dog’s death.
The investigation determined that the dog had been left unattended inside a vehicle for an extended period of time under warm weather conditions. Upon completion of the investigation, and in coordination with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Det. Guker charged Bevan with Third-Degree Animal Cruelty. Bevan was issued a complaint summons and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
The Manchester Township Police Department takes all reports of animal cruelty, neglect, and abuse seriously. Each allegation is thoroughly investigated based upon the facts and evidence available, with appropriate enforcement action taken when supported by the facts, evidence, and applicable law.
The charge referenced above is merely an accusation, and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).