Police say drunk driver struck K9 patrol car; two injured

Published 6:55 am Friday, January 3, 2020

A driver drunkenly navigating the streets of a Mississippi city on New Year’s Eve crashed into a patrol car carrying an officer and his canine partner, authorities said.

Pascagoula police Officer Ernie Snyder and the dog named Tony suffered minor injuries in the Tuesday crash, news outlets reported, citing a department statement.

The department posted photos of the damaged patrol SUV on Facebook that showed the main impact was apparently right above the driver’s side tire, which was nearly torn from the vehicle.

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“The K9, from what we could see, was minding his own business like nothing had happened. The officer had a few scrapes and bumps but ultimately he said he was fine,” Sgt. Travis Dunsford told WLOX-TV.

The driver’s identity wasn’t immediately released.

Police said the driver wasn’t injured and was charged with driving under the influence.