Hopkinsville, KY – Christian County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) K9 Dzek was killed by a vehicle early Sunday morning, after he escaped from his fenced yard while in pursuit of a cat.

K9 Dzek, an 18-month-old Belgian Malinois, went out to the yard at approximately 2:30 a.m., after he returned home from his shift, WHOP reported.

He began chasing a cat, and managed to escape over the five-foot fence.

His handler, CCSO Deputy Rusty Rosencrance, immediately began searching the area, and located K9 Dzek’s body on the side of a road at approximately 7 a.m.

His injuries appeared consistent with him having been struck by a vehicle.

K9 Dzek, a five-month veteran of the CCSO, was a fully certified, dual-purpose officer, the department said.

He had recently completed his certification training at Ricky Wade Kennels in Paris, Tennessee, and was immediately assigned to Deputy Rosencrance.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office and Deputy Rusty Rosencrance in the loss of K9 Dzek.