Published: September 09, 2008 11:40 pm         

Enid officer, police dog recuperating this week from injuries after wreck

An Enid Police Department K-9 officer and his partner were injured early Sunday morning after being struck by a possibly intoxicated driver.

Officer Steve Miller and his dog, Duco, were injured in the crash and are recuperating this week, police said. However, Miller and Duco are expected to return to duty next week, pending approval of follow-up visits with doctors and veterinarians.

“Both are recovering from their injuries,” said Capt. Dean Grassino.

He said Miller was treated at and released from St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center following the accident.

“He’s definitely got some deep tissue bruising,” Grassino said.

Duco suffered a puncture wound to the muscle of his hip and a laceration and contusion above one of his eyes. Grassino said Duco was treated for his injuries by a local veterinarian.

According to an EPD report, Miller was northbound on Van Buren when Peggy D. Garvie, 51, of Enid, turned in front of him about 1:33 a.m.

Grassino said Miller was en route to assist another officer who was investigating another injury accident. Miller’s lights and sirens were not activated.

Miller told investigating officers he saw headlights coming toward him and began to brake and turn into the other lane. He said he was hit by Garvie, then hit the curb and light pole at the intersection. Garvie told police she was turning left from Van Buren onto Willow.

According to the report, it appeared the two vehicles had hit “almost head on.”

Blood was taken from Garvie at the hospital. In the report under driver condition, there is an odor of alcohol listing.

Grassino said Garvie told the investigating officer she was “sorry for drinking and driving.”

Garvie suffered non-incapacitating head and internal body injuries in the wreck, according to the report.

Grassino said Miller’s unit was totaled. The vehicle was valued at about $8,000 and the special equipment in the vehicle is estimated between $8,000 and $10,000.