MARIETTA, Ga. (AP) - Authorities say a highly trained Marietta police dog has died after being struck by a vehicle.

Marietta police tell Fox 5 Atlanta (http://bit.ly/nKcHoM) that 2-year-old Inja, a Belgian Malinois, was hit by the vehicle in an accident.

Police say the dog was struck by a van on Antioch Road, not far from his handler's home early Monday.

Authorities say Officer Ray Figeuroa was about to get off duty when he stopped to let Inja out to run and stretch his legs. The dog got through a fence, darted out into the road and was hit.

Police say Inja was trained to detect narcotics and track lost people and crime suspects, and will be difficult to replace.