Alleged Derby Dog Thrower Wants Diversionary Program

A Bridgeport man accused last year of trying to throw a dog off a bridge in Derby may see the case against him dismissed.

The man, Alexander Rosario, 32, applied Thursday at Superior Court in Derby for a program for first-time offenders which, if granted by a judge and completed successfully, would result in the charge he faces being dropped.

Prosecutor Marjorie Sozanski took no position on Rosario’s application to the program, known as psychiatric accelerated rehabilitation, but Rosario’s public defender indicated the state would be opposing the application.

I believe the state will object at the appropriate time,” the public defender, Paul Eschuk, told Judge Karen Sequino.

The program is basically the same as accelerated rehabilitation, a diversionary program for first-time offenders, but is available to defendants with a mental disease, defect, or personality disorder.

Defendants granted entry to the program must agree to undergo any treatment or evaluations deemed necessary by probation officials- and stay out of trouble, as Judge Sequino warned Rosario.

If you’re unsuccessful in any way, the case can be returned to the docket and you’ll be prosecuted,” the judge said.

Rosario then left the courtroom to be interviewed by probation officials and sign releases allowing them access to his medical records.

He is scheduled to return to court Feb. 19.

He was first arrested last July on a single misdemeanor charge of cruelty to an animal after police said he tried to throw a Jack Russell terrier off the Hawkins Street bridge.

Since Rosario’s arrest the charge has been upped to maliciously wounding an animal, an unclassified felony punishable by up to five years behind bars and a $5,000 fine.

Police said the dog’s collar caught on a spike on the bridge, preventing the animal from falling onto Route 8 below.

Rosario was also seen kicking and slamming the dog on the ground, according to police.

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Woodbridge Animal Control, which covers Derby’s animal-related calls, took the dog to a vet, who gave it a clean bill of health.

The pooch has since been adopted and has a new home at an undisclosed location. 

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