James Molloy, the Yorktown man who allegedly shot and killed a dog Wednesday, Aug. 5, is a retired New York Police Department officer, the NYPD has confirmed.
The 61-one-year-old is now facing two felony charges — aggravated animal cruelty and reckless endangerment of the first degree — according to Yorktown police.
While walking his own dog near a supermarket about a half mile from his home Wednesday evening, Molloy allegedly shot and killed a dog belonging to another Yorktown resident. As a retired officer, Molloy is able to legally carry a firearm.
Police received a report the dog, a husky-shepherd mix named Luke, had allegedly "attacked" Molloy's dog.
"I did know
Luke, having taken him on walks over the years, and I found him to be a curious and friendly dog," wrote Yorktown Supervisor Ed Lachterman in a statement Friday. “My heart goes out to his owner, who is well known in our community, and to everyone who has been impacted by this tragic event.”
“This incident also serves as a reminder that the lawful ownership of firearms carries with it a profound responsibility to exercise sound judgement and use deadly force only when it is truly necessary,” he continued.
Who is James Molloy?
Molloy retired from his post as lieutenant in 2015, according to an NYPD spokesperson. During a law enforcement-centered podcast in 2019, Molloy said his career with the NYPD spanned 24 years.
According to his LinkedIn page, which has been offline since 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, he is currently a development officer for the Ronald McDonald House New York.
He also volunteers with The Good Dog Foundation — a non-profit providing animal-assisted therapy — alongside his dog Jade.
Molloy has been released from police custody and is due in court on Aug. 11 at 6 p.m.
(This story may update.)
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Who is James Molloy? Suspect in Yorktown dog shooting was NYPD officer
