safety
K-9 killed in hit-and-run after he was spooked by illegal fireworks on July 4, sheriff’s office says
By Emily Van de Riet at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· July 6, 2026
· 1 min read
FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (Gray News) — A K-9 in California was struck and killed by a car after he was spooked by illegal fireworks, officials said.The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said K-9 Santi was home Saturday night and was being kept inside due to fireworks in the area.Around 8:30 p.m., the d...
Key takeaway (Gray News) — A K-9 in California was struck and killed by a car after he was spooked by illegal fireworks, officials said.
Why this matters in The Midland
The tragic death of K-9 Santi in California serves as a stark warning to Midland residents about the dangers of illegal fireworks. As the city of Midland prepares for future celebrations, it is crucial that residents and visitors alike adhere to local ordinances regarding fireworks. The Permian Basin area has seen its share of fireworks-related incidents, and the death of K-9 Santi highlights the potential consequences of reckless behavior. Midland's own law enforcement agencies have likely encountered similar situations where pets or service animals have been spooked by loud noises, emphasizing the need for responsible and considerate behavior during celebrations. The incident also underscores the importance of Midland's animal control and public safety measures, which must be robust enough to prevent such tragedies from occurring locally. As the community mourns the loss of K-9 Santi, it must also recognize the importance of respecting local laws and protecting the safety of all residents, including those with four legs.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (Gray News) — A K-9 in California was struck and killed by a car after he was spooked by illegal fireworks, officials said.The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said K-9 Santi was home Saturday night and was being kept inside due to fireworks in the area.Around 8:30 p.m., the d...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Emily Van de Riet at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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