July 6, 2026 – Fresno County Sheriff’s Office officials are sad to report that 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.

Around 8:30 p.m., the deputy let Santi into the backyard to go pee. During this 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. The dog was taken to a pet hospital where he later died.

It was determined someone driving a vehicle hit Santi. They did not stop and left the scene. Clovis Police arrived and interviewed several witnesses. An investigation is ongoing into this hit and run collision. Anyone with information can contact Clovis Police at (559) 324-2800.

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

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.

R.I.P. Santi 

Source & photos: Fresno County Sheriff’s Office