Police Respond to Report of Man Hunting Geese with a Crossbow

Responding to a call of a man hunting geese with a crossbow at Hardcastle Pond behind the Dorchester apartment complex, New Milford police arrested John Hall, 49, of Faller Drive, and charged him with three counts of weapons possession, one count of possession of a prohibited weapon and disorderly conduct. 

Chief Frank Papapietro said that Lt. John O’Malley, along with officers John Moroney and Kevin VanSaders, responded to a call behind the Dorchester apartment complex on Sunday at approximately 8:45 a.m. where they found Hall carrying a yellow duffle bag. 

Papapietro said that while questioning Hall, the officers noticed a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. When advised by police to place his duffle bag on the ground, the officers observed a large knife handle protruding from his waistband.  

Officers VanSaders and Moroney secured Hall and removed a 10-inch knife from him. "Further search of the accused revealed a 4-inch switchblade knife in his front pocket and a 4-inch knife in his boot," Papapietro said.  

"A search of his duffle bag revealed two mini crossbows, one being loaded, and 60 six-inch arrows."  

Also found were sleeves of crackers and numerous plastic shopping bags. Hall claimed that he was target shooting by Hardcastle Pond, but upon further questioning stated that he used the weapons for protection.

"Lt. O’Malley did a search of the area and found no injured or deceased animals," Papapietro told Patch.

Hall was taken to the New Milford Police Department where he was charged. Municipal judge, Honorable Kevin Kelly, set bail at $20,000 with a 10 percent option. 

Hall was released upon posting bail.

All weapons were seized and retained by the and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Animal Cruelty Task Force Unit was notified.