Report: Former Hasbrouck Heights police officer charged with stabbing friend to death tested positive for drugs

wood-ridge-homicide.jpgTwo police cars were stationed outside the site of a weekend death police have deemed a homicide.

WOOD-RIDGE — The ex-cop charged with stabbing his longtime friend to death in his Wood-Ridge home Sunday had apparently violated probation and tested positive for narcotics earlier this year, according to a report on

Scott J. Smith, 33, of Hasbrouck Heights, was charged Monday with the stabbing death of 39-year-old John Amendola.

CBSNewYork reports that authorities believe it may have been a dispute over prescription drugs. Smith, an unemployed former Hasbrouck Heights police officer, was on probation after being convicted for illegally obtaining prescription painkillers.

12-12-11_Scott_Smith.jpgScott Smith, 33

The Bergen County prosecutor's office released the following narrative of what happened in the home:

On Sunday, December 11, 2011, during the early morning hours, Scott Smith was at the victim’s house socializing. The two were friends and have known each other for nearly twenty years. An argument erupted between the two men, during the course of which it is alleged that Smith stabbed the victim numerous times with a knife that he carried regularly on his person. Smith then fled the scene, taking the weapon with him.

Another friend apparently found Amendola's body Sunday afternoon, sparking the investigation that lead to Smith's arrest.

Smith is being held on $2 million bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.

Related coverage:

Ex-cop charged with killing friend reportedly had previous arrest record

Former Hasbrouck Heights police officer arrested in connection with Wood-Ridge homicide

Police continue investigation of weekend homicide in Wood-Ridge