Danbury police search for ATV driver who killed dog

Dusty was killed after someone riding a quad lost control and struck the 4-year-old dog in the yard of her Jackson Drive home Wednesday night. Dusty was killed after someone riding a quad lost control and struck the 4-year-old dog in the yard of her Jackson Drive home Wednesday night. Photo: Contributed Photo Photo: Contributed Photo Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Danbury police search for ATV driver who killed dog 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

DANBURY — Police are searching for the driver of a quad-style all-terrain vehicle that struck and killed a dog in the city’s Great Plain neighborhood Wednesday evening.

Dusty was killed in the yard of his Jackson Drive home around 7:50 p.m., after someone riding a quad lost control and struck the 4-year-old Husky-Labrador Retriever mix.

“As the operator of the quad fled the area after striking the dog, we are looking for assistance in finding the person responsible for the needless death of this loved family pet,” said Detective Lt. Mark Williams.

Danielle O’Rourke, one of Dusty’s owners, said Dusty was loving and will be “terribly missed.”

“Sad thing is I was outside with her when it happened. I heard the quad so I was going to bring her in the house when it happened,” O’Rourke wrote on Facebook.

As police search for the person responsible for Dusty’s death, the O’Rourkes are offering a $500 cash reward to anyone who provides information leading to their identification and arrest.

Police believe the operator likely lives in the area of Jackson Drive.

“Residents of Jackson Drive have indicated there are trails in the area connecting Jackson Drive, Tamanny Trail and Great Plain Road, which are frequently used by ATVs and dirt bikes,” Williams said.

Anyone with information is urged to email Officer Michael Weaver at m.weaver@danbury-ct.gov or call Danbury Animal Control at 203-748-6456.