Watch CBS News

Police Dog Dies After Escaping Chief's Yard, Being Hit By Vehicle

MORRICE, Mich. (WWJ/AP) - Authorities say a police dog has died after apparently being struck by a vehicle in Shiawassee County.

Reggie, a 2-year-old Dutch shepherd, apparently escaped from the Morrice Police Department chief's yard on Dec. 23 and died along with a second dog, according to a report in The Argus-Press of Owosso.

Chief Matt Balsley kept Reggie at home and trained him. He says the K-9 "was one of a kind" and "made a big imprint."

Sabre, a 3-year-old German shepherd owned by Balsley, also died. Balsley this week described it as a "freak accident" and suspects the person responsible may not have seen the dogs. He said there were no reports that someone had struck an animal.

Balsley said he believes the dogs may have pushed open a latch on a gate to escape.

TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.