An Alameda police officer could face criminal charges after his K9 partner died when he was left inside a hot vehicle for several hours.
Police Lt. Bill Scott said the officer left the 6 1/2-year-old Belgian Malinois inside his SUV with a window open while attending a training exercise May 5.
When the officer returned after more than three hours, the dog was "in distress." He had no pulse and was not breathing. He was taken to a vet's office, where he was declared dead. The cause of death is under investigation.
According to the National Weather Service, the high temperature in the area that day was 70 degrees.
The police forwarded the case to the Alameda County district attorney's office on Wednesday. Prosecutors will determine whether the officer will face criminal charges.
