Investigators are conducting a criminal investigation into circumstances surrounding the death of a Sebastian (FL) Police Department K-9 in an officer’s car in Melbourne on Friday.
The Sebastian officer found the German shepherd’s remains in the sweltering vehicle about 7:30 p.m. Friday. Sebastian Police Department dispatchers contacted Melbourne dispatchers, who then called Brevard County Animal Services. Investigators are looking into reports the officer may have forgotten the dog, named Diesel, was in the vehicle during a visit to the Brevard County courthouse.
“He found the dog deceased in his car. Right now, it is a joint investigation. The officer is devastated. … It’s just awful,” said Lt. Cheryl Trainer, spokeswoman for the Melbourne Police Department. “There was no intent. But we have talked with the state attorney’s office about the case.”
The officer, who has been with the agency for nearly a decade, was not identified, and it was not immediately known how long the police dog was in the car or how long after the visit to the courthouse the dog was found. Police are still trying to learn the exact place where the K-9 died.