WASHINGTON COUNTY — The Washington County Sheriff’s Department announced that Marley, it’s K-9, died of injuries suffered during an incident involving an ATV on Sept. 5.

According to the report from the sheriff’s department, Marley escaped the control of her handler, Deputy Tommy Moss, chasing an ATV that ultimately struck her.

The incident occurred near the deputy’s residence while both were off-duty. Immediately following the accident, Deputy Moss transported Marley to meet with a veterinarian for treatment in St. Clair County.

While transporting Marley to the vet, Moss struck a deer in rural St. Clair County. Moss was not injured, but the department-issued vehicle was damaged.

Marley succumbed to her injuries prior to reaching the veterinarian clinic, though her death was unrelated to the incident with the deer.

The ATV which struck Marley was operated by a juvenile who sustained non-life threatening injuries and was treated and released at a local hospital.

The report indicates that due to the conflict of interest, the Perry County Sheriff’s Office investigated and completed the report of the incident involving Marley and the ATV.