NEW: Local suspect accused of menacing claims pair of dogs that ventured onto his property were threatening his goats

RUSSIA- Police have followed up with an update regarding the arrest of a Herkimer County resident this week.

As previously reported, the New York State Police charged Mark W. Boyce, 43, of Cold Brook, NY on Sunday for one misdemeanor count of menacing in the second-degree.

According to investigators, Troopers responded to reports of shots fired Sunday evening on Norway Street, town of Russia.

It’s reported that two dogs from a neighboring residence entered Boyce’s property. One dog was found deceased at the scene, while the second was transported to an emergency veterinarian and later succumbed to its injuries.

However, Boyce claimed to police that the dogs were threatening his goats.

During the incident, Boyce is accused of pointing a rifle at several individuals who were attempting to assist the injured dogs.

No injuries to people were reported.

Following an arraignment, Boyce was released and is due back in court at a later date.

NYSP image.