Guilty verdict in grisly city burglary

LOCK HAVEN – A Clinton County jury today found Edward Andrew Bendik guilty on all counts, including burglary, criminal trespass, cruelty to animals, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, reckless burning, and other related offenses.

According to trial information, on November 20, 2015, Bendik broke into an apartment at 109 East Water Street in Lock Haven. While inside the apartment, Bendik killed the resident’s small dog, Buddy, by stabbing the dog repeatedly.

Bendik later removed the dog’s legs, then carried the dog and other items from the apartment, placing them into a dumpster near the residence. He then used some kind of accelerant and lit the contents of the dumpster on fire.

Lock Haven city police would locate Bendik nearby shortly after the fire was extinguished. While in custody, Bendik assaulted a Lock Haven police officer by kicking him repeatedly, and also attempted to disarm the officer of his taser.

Bendik faces up to 57 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for January 23, 2017 before Judge Michael Salisbury. The case was prosecuted by district attorney Dave Strouse.