Police officer who left his K9 partner to cook to death in his car avoids prosecution

SOUTH CAROLINA -- The officer who left his K9 partner, Tank, in a hot car, leading to his death, has been suspended without pay for 60 days, according to Bennettsville Police Chief Larry McNeil.

RIP Tank

In addition, Officer Robert Miller will be placed on probation for 90 days following the suspension and is permanently restricted from being a K9 officer in the future.

Tank, a black Labrador Retriever, died August 13, one day after Miller left him in a car outside the Bennettsville Police Department.

A veterinarian's report was released Thursday showing Tank died as a result of a heat stroke.

Chief McNeil says the agency's criminal investigation showed that the case is "unfounded for criminal intent."

We asked why an outside agency was not brought in to investigate the situation. Chief McNeil said he didn't call in the State Law Enforcement Division because it was a personnel matter.

(Carolina Live - Aug 15 2013)

Earlier:

• #4 K-9 death this year: "forgotten" in patrol car
• K9 Officer laid to rest after dying from being left in hot car