Former H.S. Football Star Throws K-9 Into Traffic: Police

A former High School football player is one of the two men accused of robbing a Chinese Restaurant in Blackwood, N.J.

Police also believe that the former star athlete is responsible for the death of the 3-year-old K-9 officer that pursued him.

Two suspects robbed the Lucky Dragon restaurant on the 400 Block of East Church Street Tuesday night around 7:10 p.m. They also allegedly assaulted the two workers inside. 

Police officer Mark Pickard and K-9 Officer Schultz arrived at the scene shortly after and searched the area where the dog picked up the scent of the two suspects and found them hiding in nearby bushes.

While one suspect escaped, Schultz managed to bite down on the other suspect's arm, according to authorities.

As Officer Pickard moved in to help the dog, the suspect allegedly threw the K-9 off his arm into the moving traffic of Southbound Route 42.

Schultz died at the scene while the suspect was hit by the same vehicle that killed the dog. He then fled the scene.

20-year-old Skyler Robinson, a former star running back for Washington Township High School, was arrested about three hours later in a residential development near the scene of the robbery.

Robinson was taken to Kennedy Memorial Hospital to receive treatment for his injuries.

19-year-old Evan Scotese was also arrested for the robbery on Wednesday around 6 a.m. after police received an anonymous tip.

Robinson is charged with robbery, inflicting harm on a law enforcement animal, cruelty to animals and other related offenses.

Scotese is charged with robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery and resisting arrest by flight.

The bail for each suspect is set at $150,000.

Investigators also say that the two suspects stole around $300 in cash from the restaurant. Most of the money was recovered however.

The K-9 was named after Philadelphia Flyer Dave Schultz. Police continue to mourn the death of their fellow officer.

"Officer Schultz gave his life for Officer Pickard and all the men and women of the Gloucester Police Department," said Gloucester Township Police Chief Earle. "We're very thankful for his service."

A service honoring the dog has been scheduled for 1 p.m. on Dec. 9, at the Gloucester Township Community Park. 

Around 1000 officers and residents attended a memorial service for K-9 Officer Schultz on Thursday afternoon in South Jersey.

The ceremony, which lasted over an hour, took place at theGloucester Township Community Park.

Aside from the Gloucester Police and residents, the honor guard and 150 K-9 teams as far away as Virginia also made an appearance.

“He's not only a working partner, he's also a family pet,â€