SEBASTIAN — A policeman whose K-9 partner died after being left in a patrol car four months ago has been charged with animal cruelty.
The State Attorney’s Office told the Sebastian Police Department Wednesday it decided to file the cruelty to animals charge against Officer Eric Antosia, police said. Antosia was immediately placed on administrative leave without pay pending the final outcome of the criminal case.
Sebastian K-9 Diesel was found dead in the back of Antosia’s patrol car April 28 in Melbourne. The Melbourne Police Department and State Attorney’s Office did their own independent investigations without any influence from Sebastian police, police spokesman Operations Commander John Blackledge said.
When the criminal case is done, Sebastian Police will complete its own internal affairs investigation to gain a full understanding of what happened and possibly take disciplinary action, police said.