LEE COUNTY, AL (WTVM) -
A split second decision sent a Lee County deputy and canine to the emergency room early Sunday morning.
Lee County sheriff's officials say the Jaws of Life had to be used to pry the deputy and his K9 out of the blood stained, severely damaged cruiser.
Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones told News Leader 9, the officer was driving down Highway 51 south when a deer ran out in-front of him, he swerved, and that's when the deputy lost control of his car.
Sheriff Jones says the car slammed into a concrete gutter. The single car accident happened around 3 a.m. Sunday morning near Blossman Gas on Marvyn Parkway.
Remnants of the unit were scattered all over the ground and you could still see the tire marks in the grass.
The deputy and Mike, the k9, were injured. The 12-year veteran was airlifted to Columbus Regional where officials say he's being treated for injuries to his nose and eyes.
Mike, the Belgian Malinois, suffered cuts to his face as well; he was transported to the Small Animal Clinic at Auburn University Vet School.
The deputy's name has not been released.
Sheriff Jones says the deputy is being kept overnight at Columbus Regional for observation. His injuries are not life threatening. He and the dog are expected to make a full recovery.
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