North Idaho police hunt for hit-and-run that damaged K9 unit

Post Falls police are searching for the hit-and-run driver who slammed into the back of the department’s K9 vehicle, causing $4,000 in damage. Police officers said the accident occurred around 3 a.m. Saturday as a patrol car responded to a DUI traffic stop on east Selice Way near Commerce Loop. During the stop a car driving eastbound on Seltice crashed into the back of the K9 vehicle that was assisting on the stop, according to a police report. Police had requested the backup unit to search the stopped vehicle for drugs. The driver left the scene at a high rate of speed. Kootenai County Sheriff’s deputies are assisting the investigation. No one was injured in the accident. The K9 dog, Deano, was also not injured, as it was inside the vehicle of the driver suspected of DUI, said Police Sgt. Pat Leonard. Officers at the scene described the car as relatively recent model green or brown car. Video from a patrol car at the scene is also being used to help identify the driver, but because of darkness it hasn’t provided significant new information, Leonard said. The K9 vehicle is a standard Chevrolet Impala, Leonard added. Officials ask anyone with information to contact Kootenai County Sheriff’s office (208)446-1300 or Post Falls Police at (208)773-3517.