POLICE ALLEGE SUSPECTS SENT PIT BULL AFTER OFFICERS

Seven people appeared at Regina Provincial Court on Monday facing
charges related to a trio of drug searches in the city Sunday.

In addition to drug-related offences, three of the suspects are also
charged with assault with a weapon -- the weapon being a pit bull dog
that was allegedly sicked on officers approaching a house in the 1200
block of Robinson Street to execute a drug warrant at about 5:30 p.m.
Sunday.

One pit bull was shot by police at the scene and another was
restrained and turned over to the Regina Humane Society.

"Our first priority is always safety, public safety and officer
safety," said city police spokeswoman Elizabeth Popowich. "The dog was
sent to attack officers who were entering the house, and it's
regrettable, but the dog was shot and killed."

A resident on Robinson Street, who asked not to be
identified, said he had seen one pit bull dog in the yard, but didn't
see the dog shot.

"I didn't know that they had two pit bulls," the area resident said.
"The dogs didn't seem threatening but the guys that lived there looked
like they'd cause trouble or their friends would."

He called police Sunday after seeing a ladder leaning against the side
of a house and thinking a break and enter was in progress. But it
turned out the police were executing a drug raid.

He heard breaking glass and loud bangs.

"I saw the SWAT team take some people out," he said.

He estimated the occupants had been living there less
than a month.

"There's just been the odd friends picking them up there. It's been
really quiet aside from last night ... I definitely set the alarms
last night. I wouldn't want that to happen again."

The shooting will be reviewed internally, and the Department of
Justice will also conduct a review because a firearm was discharged at
the scene, Popowich said.

A search of the Robinson Street house turned up marijuana and weapons,
as did searches a short time later at a residence in the 3800 block of
Regina Avenue and another in the 1000 block of Argyle Street.

Five men and two women appeared in court Monday to face a variety of
charges related to the busts.

(redacted) each charged with possession of marijuana for the purpose of
trafficking.

(redacted) are also charged with assault with a pit bull, and
(redacted) are charged with possession of a sword and an axe for a
dangerous purpose.

(redacted), both of whom pleaded with Judge Dennis Fenwick
to be released because they said they are breastfeeding infants, were
released from custody to appear in court Feb. 6.

All five men will remain in custody pending court appearances today
and Wednesday.