SOUTHBRIDGE, MA — A man was arrested Thursday following a narcotics investigation that resulted in an officer being bitten by a dog and the animal being fatally shot.
Detectives were conducting surveillance in targeted areas at approximately 7 p.m. due to recent information about street-level drug distribution.
Detectives observed activity consistent with a narcotics transaction and attempted to contact one of the suspects, who fled but was later apprehended in possession of suspected crack cocaine and fentanyl.
Detectives believed the narcotics were purchased from an apartment on Dean Street and proceeded to that residence to apprehend a male suspect identified as Felix Resto.
Resto attempted to flee into a room and discard suspected narcotics while detectives tried to locate him.
During the arrest, a struggle ensued in the kitchen, and an aggressive pit bull attacked an officer, causing injuries that required emergency room treatment.
Multiple attempts to restrain the dog were unsuccessful, and an officer discharged their service weapon due to the immediate threat, fatally injuring the animal.
Resto was taken into custody, and detectives recovered suspected cocaine and fentanyl packaged for distribution.
A male subject inside the apartment, identified as Angel Guzman, had warrants for his arrest and was also taken into custody.
Felix Resto, 36, of Southbridge, was charged with possession with intent to distribute class A fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute class B crack cocaine, distribution of class A fentanyl and distribution of class B crack cocaine, all subsequent offenses.
Resto was held on $500 cash bail pending his arraignment in Dudley District Court on Friday.
Angel Guzman, 34, of Southbridge, was held on cash bail for two arrest warrants.
The suspect who initially fled will be summoned to Dudley District Court and charged with possession of narcotics.
