CLOVIS, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office lost one of its beloved K-9 officers Saturday night, it said in a news release.

On the evening of July 4th, at around 8:30 p.m., K-9 Santi was let out of his off-duty handler’s home to relieve himself in the yard. He was being kept inside due to the noise of fireworks nearby.

Suddenly, the sheriff’s office said, five-year-old Santi was startled by the sound of illegal aerial fireworks, and the Belgian Malinois leapt over the backyard fence and ran off.

His handler chased after him, shouting commands to stop and come back, but the constant sound of fireworks caused Santi to continue running faster than the deputy could, officials say.

The handler eventually found his K-9 partner badly injured in the roadway near Shaw and Helm avenues in Clovis. Investigators said Santi was hit by a vehicle, and its driver didn’t stop, but instead they left the scene, and left the dog suffering.

Santi was taken to an emergency pet hospital in central Fresno, where he died.

The Clovis Police Department is investigating the case and have interviewed several witnesses. The investigation continues, and Clovis PD asks if anyone has information on the hit and run collision, that they please call 559-324-2800.

K-9 Santi served with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office for four years. Officials added that when Santi wasn’t chasing people or getting belly rubs, he liked to dig tunnels that led to the other side of the earth. He celebrated his fifth birthday in January.