BENWOOD, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A father-son argument over a trip to see a girlfriend quickly spiraled into a drug-related arrest on Friday, April 4, 2025, when officers responded to a domestic disturbance call.
According to Benwood Police, the dispute began when David Earl Branicky became enraged after his father refused to drive him to Carnegie, Pennsylvania. The father told officers that his son threatened to “beat the hell out of me” before storming off to a nearby residence on Main Street.
Benwood Patrolman Suggs arrived on the scene within a minute of dispatch receiving the call at 7:41 p.m. and was quickly joined by McMechen Police Chief Shilling.
Officers attempted to make contact with the younger Branicky at the Main Street address but found he had barricaded himself in an upstairs bedroom—a location he was legally banned from following an official eviction and trespass order issued on February 21st.
When officers eventually made entry, they discovered a small drug den in the bedroom. The scene included burnt tin foil rolls, marijuana shake, grinders, trays, cellophane wrap, and cut straws—all common indicators of drug use. David Earl Branicky admitted to inhaling methamphetamine the night before and told officers he hadn’t slept since.
A search incident to arrest revealed an orange straw containing a white powdery substance in his pocket, which has since been submitted to the West Virginia State Police Forensic Lab for testing. Despite being in custody, Branicky’s primary concern appeared to be whether he could bring his phone to jail.
