A Fresno County Sheriff’s Office K-9 died Saturday night after being startled by illegal fireworks, causing the dog to run into the path of a vehicle whose driver fled the scene, authorities said.

The off-duty deputy was home with his assigned K-9 partner, Santi, and had been keeping the dog inside because of illegal fireworks being set off in the area.

At about 8:30 p.m., the deputy let Santi into the backyard. During that time, an aerial mortar exploded nearby, startling the dog and causing him to jump over the backyard fence.

The deputy immediately chased after Santi and shouted commands for him to return, but the continued sound of fireworks caused the dog to keep running.

The deputy later found Santi severely injured on the road near Shaw and Helm avenues in Clovis. The dog was taken to a pet hospital, where he later died.

Investigators determined Santi had been struck by a vehicle whose driver did not stop and left the scene. Clovis police interviewed several witnesses, and the hit-and-run investigation remains ongoing.

Santi was a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois who served with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office for four years.

The sheriff’s office said law enforcement and firefighters routinely warn residents about the dangers of illegal fireworks, including the risk of fires, injuries, distress to animals, and disruptions to neighborhoods.

The agency said Saturday’s incident shows the dangers as illegal fireworks continue to be used despite the warnings.

Got a Tip?

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Clovis Police Department at (559) 324-2800.

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