Police K-9 Fatally Struck By Truck While Assisting Handler

ORANGE, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A police K-9 in Connecticut was struck and killed by a truck while assisting his handler during a disabled vehicle stop.

The dog named Major was killed instantly when he was hit by a commercial truck early Saturday on Route 34 near Sodom Lane, according to the Orange Police Department.

His handler, Officer Chris Brown, wasn't hurt.

Major graduated from the Connecticut State Police 166th Patrol Dog Class just last month. He was almost 2 years old.

The Orange police chief said Brown and Major made a great team and that the department is saddened by the accident.

"K-9 Major was an integral part of the Patrol Division and the Orange Police family," Asst. Police Chief Anthony Cuozzo said in a statement.

The accident remained under investigation Saturday, but no charges were expected to be filed against the truck driver, who stopped immediately.

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