Calif. Sheriff's K-9 Killed in Hit-and-Run After Fireworks Startle Dog

A Fresno County Sheriff's Office K-9 was killed in an apparent hit-and-run after illegal fireworks startled the dog, causing him to jump a fence and run into the roadway.

By Anthony Galaviz

Source The Fresno Bee

July 6, 2026

2 min read

Add Us On Google

What to Know

Fresno County Sheriff's Office K-9 Santi was killed Saturday night after being struck by a vehicle in an apparent hit-and-run after illegal fireworks startled the dog and caused him to flee.
The 5-year-old Belgian Malinois jumped a backyard fence after an aerial mortar firework exploded nearby while he was outside at his handler's home in Clovis.
The deputy found Santi critically injured near Shaw and Helm avenues, and he later died at a veterinary hospital; authorities say the driver fled the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

Fresno County Sheriff's Office K-9 Santi — Fresno County sheriff's K-9 Santi, a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois, was fatally struck by a hit-and-run when he fled his handler's yard after an aerial mortar firework exploded nearby.

A Fresno County Sheriff’s Office K-9 died Saturday night after being struck by a vehicle in an apparent hit-and-run after illegal fireworks startled the dog, authorities said.

According to Fresno County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tony Botti, an off-duty sheriff’s deputy was at home Saturday evening with his assigned K-9 partner, Santi.

Because illegal fireworks were set off in the area, the deputy kept Santi inside the house. Around 8:30 p.m., the deputy let the dog into the backyard to urinate when an aerial mortar firework exploded nearby.

The blast startled Santi, causing the dog to jump over the backyard fence and run away. The deputy immediately chased after Santi while calling the dog back, but the continued sound of fireworks caused Santi to keep running, Botti said.

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

Botti said the vehicle that struck Santi did not stop and fled the scene.

Clovis police responded and interviewed several witnesses. The investigation into the hit-and-run remains ongoing.

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

In a statement, the sheriff’s office said the incident underscores the dangers posed by illegal fireworks.

“Law enforcement and firefighters constantly warn residents about the dangers of using illegal fireworks, which can result in fires, injuries, distress to animals and an overall disruption to a person’s quality of life. Sadly, it is not enough of a deterrent for some as blatant disregard for the law continues,” the statement said.

Anyone with information about the collision is asked to contact Clovis Police at 559-324-2800.

_____________

Visit fresnobee.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.