CONYERS, Ga. -- Conyers police said on Friday that a K9 officer has died after being left in a hot patrol car. Its handler has been placed on paid leave pending an internal investigation.
According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, police said the dog, named Zane, was found dead in the patrol car around 5 p.m. on Thursday at the home of handler Jerahmy Williams.
Conyers police said the 5-year-old bloodhound has worked as a tracking dog for Conyers Police for four years — three of those with Williams, a patrol corporal who has been with the police department nearly five years.
Conyers Police Chief Gene Wilson said, "We are committed to the care and proper treatment of our working K9s. We are mourning the loss of our own."
The Rockdale County Sheriff's Office is now conducting a criminal investigation. Charges could include reckless conduct and cruelty to animals.
Conyers is about 25 miles southeast of Atlanta.