Crime & Safety
Mistreated Dog Discovered During Cocaine Bust in Bradenton
The animal was badly injured and had to be euthanized, police said; the suspect was charged with animal cruelty as well as possessing rock cocaine.
When investigators executed a search warrant at a Bradenton home Wednesday, they found one thing they were looking for — a man allegedly in possession of rock cocaine — and one thing they didn't: An injured dog that had to be euthanized.
Members of the Bradenton Police Department's Narcotics Unit were at the residence in the 1000 block of 21st Avenue West around 2 p.m. Wednesday due to alleged "illegal narcotic transactions occurring," a spokesperson said.
But during their investigation, they also discovered a dog that was severely injured and "in urgent need of medical attention," according to Capt. Warren T. Merriman III, police spokesperson.
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Manatee County Animal Services arrived to take the canine to an animal hospital, where it ultimately had to be euthanized.
As for the suspect, 61-year-old Junior Lee Lessley, he was arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty and possession of rock cocaine.
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