BENWOOD, W.Va. — A domestic disturbance turned into a drug-related arrest on the evening of Friday, April 4, 2025, when David Earl Branicky was taken into custody following a heated argument with his father.
According to Benwood Police, the conflict began when Branicky grew aggressive after his father refused to drive him to Carnegie, Pennsylvania, to visit his girlfriend. The father told officers that Branicky threatened to assault him before storming off to a nearby home on Main Street.
Benwood Patrolman Suggs responded to the call within a minute of dispatch at 7:41 p.m., with McMechen Police Chief Shilling soon arriving to assist.
Upon arriving at the residence, officers discovered Branicky had locked himself inside an upstairs bedroom—a room he was legally banned from entering following a February 21 trespass and eviction notice.
After eventually gaining access, police uncovered what they described as a small drug setup. Items found included:
Burnt tin foil
Marijuana residue
Grinders and trays
Cut straws
Cellophane wrap
Branicky admitted to methamphetamine use the night prior and claimed he hadn’t slept since.
During a search conducted during the arrest, officers located an orange straw containing a white powdery substance in Branicky’s pocket. The item has been sent to the West Virginia State Police Forensic Lab for testing.
Despite the circumstances, officers reported that Branicky’s primary concern at the time of arrest was whether he could bring his phone to jail.
The case remains under investigation pending lab results.
