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Police Officer That Helped Save Dog From Lake Michigan Might Adopt Him

By  Kelly Bauer and Ted Cox | June 13, 2017 9:54am | Updated on June 16, 2017 10:38am

STREETERVILLE — It was the Chicago Police to the rescue Tuesday morning after two officers saved a scared dog from Lake Michigan in the wake of a nasty four-car crash on Lake Shore Drive.

Officers Daniel Guzman and Juan Farris responded as backup to the accident on the 600 block of North Lake Shore Drive shortly after 6:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Once on the scene, they noticed the white and black pit bull running up and down the pedestrian path immediately alongside the lake.

"We thought at first the dog was part of the accident," Guzman said Tuesday afternoon in a news conference at the Near North Police District.

"He was pretty friendly at the beginning, just running back and forth and letting us pet him, but he wouldn't let us secure him," Farris said.

Police officers Daniel Guzman and Juan Farris discuss their dog rescue at the Near North Police District later Tuesday. [DNAinfo/Ted Cox]

The dog tried to drink from the lake but fell in. Farris said that, at that point, it was more than willing to be taken in.

"He just couldn't go anywhere," Farris said. "He would probably have had to go down to Oak Street Beach" to find a place to crawl out.

Instead, Farris said he "got in a prone position and just pulled the dog right out," grabbing him behind the front legs. "He was very cooperative. He wasn't aggressive at all," Farris said, describing the dog as a pit bull, about 50-55 pounds.

"Soaking wet?" Guzman said.

"Maybe 57," Farris replied with a smile.

"It feels great," Farris added. "I never thought I'd be coming to work today and saving a dog's life."

According to the Police Department, at 6:30 a.m. a Toyota Camry swerved in front of a GMC Terrain while in the 600 block of North Lake Shore Drive. The GMC Terrain then hit a Chevy Malibu, and the Malibu hit a Dodge Durango.

Several people from the GMC Terrain and Chevy Malibu were taken to Northwestern Hospital, police said. Their conditions were not immediately available.

The dog was picked up by Animal Control after it was determined he didn't belong to any of the crash victims. Farris said he might potentially be interested in adopting him if no owner turns up.

"I've always wanted a dog, so we'll see how it goes," he added. He said he might have to clear it with his Uptown high-rise, however.

The 34-year-old Farris is a new recruit, fresh out of the academy two months ago. He was assigned with Guzman, a Portage Park resident and a field training officer in the Near North District.

"Flying colors today," Guzman said.