Earl Allayne, Jr. surrendered to police Saturday in Old Bridge after a brief pursuit and an attempt to hide from officers in an apartment complex utility room.
[Ads /]
Investigators say Allayne randomly assaulted 51-year-old Viktor Yashchyshyk last Wednesday, knocking him unconscious and causing him to suffer a skull fracture and a broken jaw.
Police said Yashchyshyk was talking on his cellphone when he was attacked. Neighbors found the dog and the victim on the sidewalk and called police.
The victim died in the hospital on Friday.
[Ads /]
Police also believe the assailant attempted to kill the victim's dog by swinging the dog around by the leash. The dog slid out of his collar and returned home without its owner.
Allayne, 20, of Sayreville, faces murder and robbery charges. He will be back in court Friday.
Neighbors have raised about $6,000 on a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral expenses.