ELIZABETH, N.J. (AP) Authorities in New Jersey have accused a Connecticut man of forcing a dog out of a moving vehicle on the Garden State Parkway, resulting in its death.

Authorities issued 65-year-old Timothy Yowell of Bristol, Connecticut, with animal cruelty.

The Union County Prosecutor's Office says Yowell was driving on the parkway in Clark on Sept. 11 when the dog was forced from the car. The prosecutor's office says the rear of Yowell's car hit the dog before it was fatally struck by a second vehicle.

Assistant Prosecutor Jill O'Malley says Yowell did not stop and left the area. A tag was recovered indicating that the dog belonged to Yowell.

A conviction carries a prison sentence of 3 to 5 years.