A joint-agency drug task force raided a Vernal house Jan. 31 arresting four men and shooting a pit bull they encountered upon entering.

The Uintah Basin Narcotics Strike Force, Uintah County Sheriff's Office and Vernal City Police executed a search warrant at the Lyle Shane Karren, 34, residence located 116 S. 500 West, where officers say drugs were being sold.

Karren was arrested on charges of first-degree felony distribution of a controlled substance; second-degree felony distribution of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, a class A misdemeanor.

Three other men were arrested for investigation of drug charges including Heath Anderson, 36, Sterling Downard, 37, and Harold Hacking, 51, after law enforcement conducted the raid.

Vernal City Police spokesperson Keith Campbell said officers encountered two aggressive pit bulls upon entering and were forced to shoot one of the dogs.

Information in a probable cause statement says Karren was arrested after a police investigation showed he was selling and allowing others to sell illegal drugs from his home.

Charges filed in 8th District Court were enhanced as the Karren residence is within 1,000 feet of Discovery Elementary School.

A search of the home netted methamphetamine, marijuana, scales packaging material, cash, and other drug paraphernalia.

Karren was taken to the Uintah County Jail and released on $30,390 bail. He is scheduled to make an initial appearance in court on Feb. 27.

Report of the charges for the remaining individuals: Anderson, Downard and Hacking will be published as information becomes available.