LA PLATA, Md. (April 9, 2010) - The Charles County Sheriff's Office today released the following incident and arrest report.
POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE DRUGS: On April 9 at 6:02 a.m., officers responded to the 2900 block of Downs Drive in Bryans Road to serve a court approved search and seizure warrant relating to a narcotics investigation. As officers entered the house, they deployed a "flash bang" - a device that makes a loud sound- to distract two aggressive pit bulls that were known to be on the premise. One pit bull retreated but the other pit bull charged at the officers. An officer discharged rounds from a non-lethal weapon, striking the dog but the rounds did not take effect. The pit bull continued outside of the residence in an aggressive manner, quickly charging and circling officers who were positioned near the front of the house. Officers again discharged a non-lethal weapon but as the dog advanced, they discharged their issued firearms, fatally wounding the dog. Two other adult pit bulls were found chained on the property.
A search of the house revealed a quantity of prescription drugs sufficient for a distribution charge. In addition, officers found a small amount of marijuana. The target of the investigation, Bryan Wayne Burkett, 28, was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute. Other arrests are pending. A 49-year-old relative who lives in the house was injured as he was being detained after resisting to comply with officers. He was treated by medical personnel who were on the scene but refused immediate transport to a hospital. The investigation is on-going.