A Ventura County sheriff’s deputy and his K-9 partner were injured Dec. 16 when their vehicle was struck by a suspected drunk driver along Pacific Coast Highway.
The deputy was driving toward a Malibu restaurant in response to a suspicious person in the parking lot. While heading southbound on Pacific Coast Highway near Deer Creek Road, they were struck by a white Mercedes speeding northbound, officials said.
The sheriff’s vehicle spun out when struck and was left dangling on rocks along the highway.
First responders found the sheriff’s vehicle while the Mercedes was found facing southbound in the northbound lane.
The deputy was reported to be conscious and alert and was transported to a local hospital with injuries, which were described as not life-threatening.
The K-9, a two-year-old Dutch shepherd named Danny, had a minor cut to his face but no major injuries, officials said.
After being taken to a hospital for treatment, the driver of the other vehicle was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, and was already on probation for another DUI at the time of the crash.
Authorities have not released the driver’s name as of Dec. 19.
