RCSD investigator bitten after attempting to serve search warrant

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott says an RCSD investigator has been bitten by a dog while trying to serve a warrant for animal cruelty.

On Thursday, July 24, around 2:20 p.m. Richland County Sheriff’s Department investigators, along with Richland County Animal Control, arrived in the 1100 block of Heins Road to perform the warrant service.

While walking the pathway to the home, a large black and white male pitbull charged at Investigator Sarah Merriman.

The dog was tethered to a tree, broke free from the chain, and immediately attacked Merriman, according to RCSD.

Merriman was bitten multiple times on the right arm and taken to the hospital to be treated.

Richland County Sheriff’s Department says the dog owner, Courtney Cain has a history of animal cruelty.

She was arrested on her original warrant for animal cruelty and taken to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

Investigators say more charges are forthcoming.