Washington County Sheriff’s K9 Treated for Exposure to Drugs

A Washington County police dog received medical treatment after being exposed to suspected heroin during a drug bust.

Runa is trained to detect illegal drugs, but that usually involves searching for the scent of the substances and then alerting her human partner, Deputy Ryan Allen when she finds some. But things went awry when they were called to Addison, to help in the arrest of a Jonesport man.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office reports David Foss, 54, allegedly ripped open a bag of suspected heroin and poured it onto the floor of his pickup truck. Runa ingested some of the drugs and had to be rushed to a veterinary clinic in Perry. Luckily, Deputy Allen worked quickly, getting help for his K9 partner, and she was treated and released.

As for Foss, he's been charged with drug possession, unlawful possession of a firearm, and falsifying physical evidence. His bail was set at $15,000.