Memorial services set for Stephens County K-9 Tuco

The Stephens County Sheriff’s Department lost one of their loyal K-9 officers, but even in the sadness there is thankfulness as the life of a deputy was saved.

Early Sunday around 4 a.m. deputy Matthew Brown and his K-9 partner Tuco were on their way to a car stranded driver in a ditch on Highway 29. As they traveled near the intersection of Plato Road and Duncan Lake Road, a low spot in the road had filled with water due to the heavy overnight rains.

Brown’s patrol car hit the low point and hydroplaned, flipped and landed it in a water-filled ditch before caught fire. Brown was trapped inside the submerged vehicle.

Fortunately, Deputy Garrett Hunt also was taking the same route to the scene of the Highway 29 accident. He stopped, went underwater, broke the window and helped Brown escape from the vehicle.

Sheriff Wayne McKinney told reporters both deputies then tried to rescue Tuco, but could not reach him due to where Tuco was located in the vehicle to free him.

A memorial service was planned at the Stephens County Fairgrounds Wednesday afternoon.