State Police Charge Newark Man With Felony Drug Offenses

Suspect(s): Joseph Walling, 32, of Godwin Drive in Newark

Resume: Early this morning, Troopers from the Special Investigation Unit at Troop 2 responded to the home of Mr. Joseph Walling of Godwin Drive in Newark.

Mr. Walling was the target of a long term narcotics investigation and officers had a valid search warrant for his home. Just prior to officers entering the residence in question, a male subject exited the front door and drove away in a silver Honda Accord. Troopers attempted to stop this vehicle on Route 40, however, the Honda fled into Maryland. Officers stopped the pursuit as the Honda was driving recklessly. They then returned to the Godwin Drive home to begin the search.

Officers entered Walling’s home and found him in the front living room. At the sight of officers, he ran into the bathroom where he was attempting to flush suspected narcotics down the toilet when detectives apprehended him.

At this same time, one of Walling’s two pit bulls attacked a Trooper. The officer fired a single round at the dog, striking it. The dog ran away momentarily, but it then returned to attack the Trooper a second time. The Trooper fired two additional rounds, striking the dog again. The animal was immediately rushed to a local veterinarian where it was still receiving treatment at the time of this release. The second dog was initially secured in a bathroom and has since been seized by Animal Control.

Mr. Walling was transported back to Troop 2 where warrants are being completed at this time for felony drug offenses. He has already been charged by Animal Control with No Dog License and Failure to Inoculate a Dog. An additional release will be forthcoming with Walling exact charges from DSP.

Note: The subject in the Honda who fled from Troopers has not been identified.