Detroit Police Dog Dies After Being Left In Hot Car

A Detroit police dog died after a patrol car’s heat-alarm system failed on a warm day in June.

Commander Darin Szilagy tells the Detroit Free Press that the officer should have been checking on Vito, a German shepherd, every 30 minutes, “no matter what.” The officer has been assigned to other duties and is awaiting possible discipline.

The incident occurred on June 26, a sunny day with a high temperature of 78 in Detroit. The dog died the next day.

Szilagy says the officer had rigorously trained with the dog and has been “distraught” over the death. He had left Vito unattended while picking up another vehicle.