A Sebastian Police officer whose K-9 officer died after being left in his patrol vehicle in April has been charged by the State Attorney.
- K-9 left inside patrol vehicle at Melbourne courthouse in April
- Sebastian Police officer faces animal cruelty charges
- RELATED: Police K-9 left in patrol vehicle at Brevard courthouse dies
Officer Eric Michael Antosia faces one count of animal cruelty in the death of the police dog Diesel.
Diesel was left unattended inside a patrol SUV parked in front of the Brevard County Courthouse in Melbourne on April 28 while Antosia attended a hearing.
The dog was dead in the SUV when authorities responded to Antosia's Melbourne home that evening.
The case was investigated by the Melbourne Police Department, since the dog was found dead in Melbourne.
Per standard procedure, Antosia has been placed on administrative leave without pay pending the outcome of the criminal case. A trial date has not been set.