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Last Updated: Jun 13, 2008 - 6:29:55 PM |
 A Bronx man is devastated after his dog was swept up and killed by a city street sweeper Thursday morning.
The incident occurred at Randall and St. Lawrence avenues in the Soundview section of the borough. Witnesses say the sweeper came speeding down the street, swerving to avoid a speed bump, before yanking the dog, a Boston terrier named Ginger, right out of its leash.
"The animal was like a family member in my house," said Robert Machin, the dog's owner.
Machin is completely torn over losing Ginger, and he can't believe how it happened.
"Just being dragged into that machinery and killed in that fashion," said Machin.
When Machin broke the news to his mother, Carmen Canizares, he says she nearly collapsed.
"You have no idea, you have no idea," she said.
Ginger and her mate, Buster, were both on leashes on the side of the street when the sweeper approached. Witnesses say the vehicle was moving at about 30 or 40 mph, must faster than the 10 mph it's supposed to go, and that the driver was listening to headphones.
"He came so close to the car that he sucked the dog off the leash," said Isamar Maldonado, who saw the horrifying incident. "He was not paying attention, and while you're on duty you're not supposed to [have headphones] on."
Witnesses say they chased the truck for blocks, but when he finally stopped they say he refused to shut down the mechanical broom.
"We couldn't believe that man could be driving that fast and sweep up the little dog like he was a piece of garbage or something, and then don't even say 'I'm sorry,'" said Maldonado.
The Department of Sanitation issued a statement regarding the incident and said it will investigate.
"Yesterday mornings incident involving a dog being swept up by a Department of Sanitation mechanical broom, while on cleaning duties in the Bronx, was a rare and unfortunate accident. Sanitation has offered condolences to the family," a spokeswoman for the department said.
"It's just a traumatic, terrible thing," said Machin.
The driver of the sweeper continues to sweep streets in that neighborhood while the investigation is ongoing.
© Copyright 2008 by WestplexToday.com
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