A Kanabec County sheriff’s deputy was out looking for a cow reportedly in the roadway outside Mora, Minn., late Monday when he hit the cow with his squad car.

Deputy Daniel Steven Schulz, 30, was searching on Minnesota 23 around 10 p.m. after dispatchers received a report of a cow in the road, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. He unexpectedly encountered the cow about 10:13 p.m.

“As the deputy was making a second pass through the area, the cow ran out of the ditch and the vehicle struck it,” the state patrol stated in an incident report.

Airbags deployed in the squad car. Schulz was taken to First Light Hospital in Mora, but was released Monday night. The squad car likely is totaled, according to Kanabec County Sheriff Brian Smith. Related Articles St. Louis Park man, 23, accused of joining Islamic State, is returned to U.S. to face terrorism charges

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The cow, which belonged to a nearby farm, was killed.

It’s not uncommon for deputies in the rural county, about 70 miles north of St. Paul, to respond to reports of livestock and other animals in the roadway, Smith said.

“I’d have to say this is the first time I’ve ever had them hit the animal they’re looking for,” Smith said. “But then again, that’s exactly why we go look for them. I’ve been to too many serious accidents and even fatalities caused by livestock on the road.”