Local Woman Indicted for Fatally Tossing Dog into Traffic

A Newark woman who is accused of fatally throwing her neighbor's dog into the oncoming traffic during an argument over a parking spot was hit Wednesday with a four-count indictment, authorities said.

Haniyyah Barnes, 25, was indicted by an Essex County Grand Jury on charges of second degree burglary, third degree animal cruelty, third degree theft and third degree criminal mischief, according to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.

In August 2011, Barnes allegedly forced her way into the unidentified neighbor's home and threatened and assaulted the victim over a parking space. When 2-year-old Shih Tzu named Honey Bey ran into the room and barked at her, she grabbed the dog by the throat, ran outside and threw it into oncoming traffic where it was struck by a vehicle and killed, said Assistant Prosecutor Michele Miller, who is handling the case.

A Newark police officer patrolling the area witnessed the incident and immediately placed Barnes under arrest.

Barnes is scheduled to be arraigned on June 18 before Judge Verna Leath.

– Staff reports