DeKalb County

Several people injured in crash involving DeKalb County K-9 unit

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A driver suffering a medical condition caused a serious accident involving a DeKalb County Sheriff's K-9 unit Friday morning. That driver died, and the deputy was hurt.

People who live nearby quickly learned of the deadly collision on Covington Highway. Police said the driver of the SUV crossed into the oncoming lane, striking an SUV K-9 unit from the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office.

The head-on collision crushed the front of the SUV. Pictures given to Channel 2's Tom Regan by a witness show firefighters working to pull veteran Deputy Phillip Snow from the wreckage.

His K-9 partner, Tomi, escaped from the crash with minor injuries. The driver of the vehicle that hit the deputy was killed.

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“That's sad, really sad,” neighbor Autumn Gidrey told Regan. “I’m sorry to hear that. So sorry for the family."

Although three other cars were involved in the crash, no one in those vehicles was seriously hurt.

Snow, whose worked for the Sheriff's Office for over 20 years, was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital to be checked out.

Shakeel Gillani told Regan he heard the loud crash from his gas station down the street.

"My prayers go out to him and his family and the department. I hope he gets better," Gillani said.
Police have not released the name of the deceased driver.

Snow remains at Grady with a leg injury. At last check, there was no update on his condition.