A Southbridge police officer was injured and a dog was killed during a drug arrest that occurred last Thursday, according to a post on the Southbridge Police Department's social media account. The conflict ensued after detectives carrying out surveillance on suspected street-level drug distribution attempted to engage a suspect linked to a narcotics transaction. When approached, the individual fled but was later apprehended with suspected crack cocaine and fentanyl.
The subsequent investigation led officers to an apartment on Dean Street, where they sought to arrest Felix Resto, a man previously known to the detectives from past narcotics investigations. Resto allegedly tried to abscond and dispose of the drugs when police made their move. During the arrest, "a struggle ensued in the kitchen of the apartment, at which time an aggressive pit bull attacked one of our officers," as per the Southbridge Police Department. Despite efforts to safely control the situation, police felt compelled to fatally shoot the dog to protect themselves.
Resto and another man in the apartment, Angel Guzman, who had outstanding warrants, were both detained and taken to the police headquarters. Resto faces charges for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and crack cocaine, as well as distribution of the same substances, and was held on $500 cash bail. Guzman's bail amount was not disclosed, but he was held for the warrants pending further legal proceedings. The unnamed initial suspect who fled will be charged with possession of narcotics at a later date.
