Middletown woman sues township after police dog attack at croydon hall

MIDDLETOWN, NJ – A Middletown resident has filed a civil lawsuit against the Township of Middletown and its police department, alleging she was mauled by a police dog while lawfully on township property last fall.

According to a complaint filed July 2 in Monmouth County Superior Court, plaintiff Tara Plastock claims she was attacked and bitten by a dog named “Titan” on October 27, 2024, while on the grounds of Croydon Hall at 900 Leonardville Road. The suit names the township, the Middletown Police Department, and several unidentified individuals and entities as defendants.

Plastock’s attorney, Charles M. Crocco of Nelson, Fromer, Crocco & Jordan in Neptune, wrote that the dog was owned or controlled by the township and its police department. The filing alleges the defendants were aware of the dog’s “vicious propensities” and failed to properly secure or confine the animal.

The lawsuit states that the attack caused “painful and severe injuries,” including lacerations, scarring, and lasting physical and psychological harm. Plastock also claims she suffered emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of income as a result of the incident.

The complaint seeks damages under New Jersey’s dog bite statute, N.J.S.A. 4:19-16, which holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their animals. It further alleges negligence on the part of the township and its police department for failing to maintain a safe property and control the dog.

Plastock is demanding a jury trial and seeking unspecified compensatory damages, interest, attorney’s fees, and other relief deemed appropriate by the court.

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