CLOVIS, Calif. (FOX26) — A Fresno County Sheriff’s K-9 was killed after being hit by a car after being scared by illegal fireworks.
An off-duty deputy was home Saturday night with his assigned K-9 partner, Santi.
He was keeping the dog inside the house due to the disruption of illegal fireworks being set off in the area.
The deputy let Santi into the backyard to go pee at around 8:30 p.m.
During that time, an aerial mortar exploded nearby, startling Santi, causing him to run toward the fence, which he completely jumped over.
The deputy immediately chased after Santi, shouting commands to come back, but the continued sound of fireworks caused Santi to keep sprinting away.
The deputy ultimately found Santi badly injured on the road near Shaw and Helm Avenues in Clovis.
Santi was taken to a pet hospital but died from his injuries.
Police say a car hit Santi and then left the scene.
K-9 Santi was a five-year-old Belgian Malinois who served with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office for four years.
An investigation is ongoing by the Clovis Police Department.
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If you have any information about this case, you can contact the Clovis Police Department at (559) 324-2800.