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Sheriff's Office K-9 Killed in Hit-and-Run After Being Spooked by Fireworks
Officials said illegal fireworks startled the 5-year-old Belgian Malinois, and a hit-and-run driver struck him before he died at a pet hospital.
- On Saturday, July 4, 2026, a 5-year-old Fresno County Sheriff's Office K-9 named Santi died after being struck by a vehicle in a Clovis, California hit-and-run. Santi had served with the agency for four years.
- An off-duty deputy took the 5-year-old Belgian Malinois into his backyard Saturday night when an aerial mortar explosion startled the dog, causing him to jump the fence and flee.
- The deputy eventually located Santi injured at the intersection of Shaw and Helm Avenues in Clovis, where emergency responders transported the K-9 to a pet hospital; he later died from his injuries.
- Clovis Police Department investigators are seeking information on the hit-and-run driver who fled the scene; authorities ask witnesses to contact the department at 324-2800.
- Law enforcement officials remind residents about the dangers of illegal fireworks, which can cause fires, injuries, and animal distress. The incident underscores risks posed by unregulated explosives in residential areas.
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15 Articles
15 Articles
The K-9 element, named Santi, died after being run over after the explosion of a nearby artificial fire on 4 July in Fresno County.
abc11 Raleigh+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
Sheriff's office K-9 killed in hit-and-run after being spooked by fireworks
An off-duty sheriff's office K-9 has died after running from fireworks and getting hit by a vehicle.
·Raleigh, United States
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NBC Montana+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
Sheriff's K-9 killed after fireworks scare leads to hit-and-run
The deputy let Santi into the backyard to go pee on July 4 when an aerial mortar exploded nearby.
·Missoula, United States
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K-9 dies after being hit by car when illegal fireworks erupted in California
K-9 Santi, a five year old Belgian Malinois, was spending a well earned 4th of July night off with his assigned off duty sheriff deputy, who was keeping him inside due to the illegal mortars.
·New York, United States
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Total News Sources15
Leaning Left5Leaning Right3Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution39% Left, 38% Center
Bias Distribution
- 39% of the sources lean Left, 38% of the sources are Center
39% Left
L 39%
C 38%
R 23%
Factuality
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