Service dog killed in hit and run; suspect in custody

WAUKESHA -- Waukesha police located the man they believe struck 54-year-old Debbie Schultz and her golden retriever service dog on June 8th. Schultz was injured and her service dog Lexie was killed.

Schultz's dog Lexie had a special tie to Schultz's husband, who passed away almost three years ago.

"It's amazing that the gift my husband gave me ended up saving my life," Schultz said.

"The guys just came barreling right at me. I was part-way through the intersection," Schultz said.

The accident broke Schultz's foot and sprained her right ankle, and the driver never stopped.

29-year-old Carlos M. Ward was arrested by Waukesha police on Thursday, June 14th for leaving the scene of the accident. He admitted his involvement in the hit and run incident shortly after being arrested. He told police he had no idea he also hit a dog.

"I don't mind if he broke my leg and he hurt me, but to just think of the dog as nothing. It's really sad there's nothing more they can do, and he's free and I'm without my best friend," Schultz said.

Ward was cited by Waukesha police for operating without insurance, failure to yield right of way while making a left-hand turn, and hit and run accident causing injury.

Ward could face formal charges from the Waukesha County District Attorney.

Related stories: