Police Dog Killed After Police Car Crashes During Pursuit

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (AP) — A police dog riding in a car with his officer in pursuit of a driver who fled from a DWI checkpoint was killed when the officer lost control of his vehicle and hit a utility pole.

The Riverhead Police Department says it started when the driver of an Audi passed through the checkpoint on Long Island around 2:30 a.m. Sunday.

The driver was told to stop, but instead drove away, striking an officer.

Other police began a pursuit, including the K9 officer accompanied by his dog, Rocky.

The officer lost control of his vehicle, and Rocky was ejected and killed.

The dog had been working with the department since May 2011.

The other officers called off the pursuit.