WPD officer injured by a dog while seizing more than 49 marijuana plan

WINCHESTER, Va. — A Winchester Police officer was injured after being bitten by a dog while executing a search warrant that found more than 49 marijuana plants on Thursday morning at an apartment in the 2200 block of Valor Drive.

 

Members of the Winchester Police Department’s SWAT team served the warrant at roughly 8:45 a.m. after investigators received information alleging marijuana was being grown inside the residence.

 

During the operation, an officer was attacked by a pit bull inside the apartment. The dog was shot and killed after officers responded to what they described as an immediate threat.

 

The injured officer was transported to Winchester Medical Center for treatment of bite injuries and has since been released. No other injuries were reported, and the search warrant was completed without further incident.

 

Police arrested Brenton Richard at the apartment. He was charged with cultivation of more than 49 marijuana plants under Virginia Code 4.1-1101 and possession with intent to distribute more than one pound of marijuana under Virginia Code 18.2-248.1

Richard was transported to the Northwest Regional Adult Detention Center and was later released on a $2,000 secured bond. 

 

The Winchester Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety of officers and community members while carrying out public safety operations.