Santa Rosa police dog killed by hit-and-run driver

A driver struck and killed a Santa Rosa police dog and failed to stop, triggering a CHP hit-and-run investigation, police said Monday.

CHP officers are hoping witnesses to the crash will help with the investigation, Santa Rosa police Lt. John Noland said.

"Boz" died Dec. 27. The 8-year-old Belgian Malinois had gotten loose from a fenced yard and was hit on Petaluma Hill Road, south of the Santa Rosa city limits.

Boz and his handler, Officer George Berg, worked together for more than five years. They responded together to thousands of calls throughout the city and Sonoma County. Boz helped find numerous suspects, often rousting them out of hiding spots, according to police reports.

Drivers who strike a domesticated animal, such as a dog or cat, are legally required to stop and attempt to contact an owner, said CHP Sgt. John Evans.

Pets are considered property and the vehicle violation is the same as if a driver had struck another car or person's property.

CHP officers are asking anyone with information to contact Officer Shawn Hopkins at 588-1400.