EPD Seeks Suspect in Raid That Killed Dog

shot and killed a dog that tried to bite an officer during a drug raid Friday morning in the city's West Ward.

According to police, officers raided the second-floor apartment at 1451 Ferry St. around 6 a.m. One man -- Rashard Simmons, 34, of Elizabeth, NJ -- was taken into custody on drug charges.

Lt. Matthew Gerould said Simmons tried to run from police out a back door, taking a pit bull with him.

"Unfortunately ... the pit bull attacked and attempted to bite one of the officers," Gerould said. Officers fired, and the dog died of its wounds. No officers or suspects were injured.

Police have issued a warrant for a second man -- Luther Lillewood, 30, who was the initial target of the investigation. Police say Lillewood, who lived at the Ferry Street address but wasn't home during the raid, is wanted for allegedly distributing heroin.

Simmons is charged with possession with intent to deliver heroin, possession with intent to deliver cocaine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Gerould said the raid turned up $7,000 worth of heroin, $100 worth of crack, $250 worth of marijuana, a working police scanner and materials for packaging heroin.