Fresno County Sheriff's Office K-9 killed in Clovis hit-and-run after running from fireworks

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- An off-duty Fresno County Sheriff's Office K-9 has died after running from fireworks and getting hit by a vehicle that fled in Clovis on Saturday night.

The sheriff's office says that around 8:30 p.m., an off-duty deputy was at home with his K-9 partner, Santi, when he took the dog outside to go to the bathroom.

While outside, an illegal firework flew into the air and exploded, scaring Santi. Santi ran and jumped the fence. The deputy chased after Santi, but the sound of the fireworks kept Santi running.

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

K-9 Santi was a five-year-old Belgian Malinois who served with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office for four years.

Authorities determined that a driver hit Santi, did not stop and left the scene.

Clovis police are investigating the hit-and-run.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Clovis Police Department.

Law enforcement and firefighters remind residents about the dangers of using illegal fireworks. They can result in fires, injuries, distress for animals and an overall disruption to a person's quality of life.