Stockton Police K-9 Dies From Heat-Related Issue After Car A/C Unit Fails

STOCKTON (CBS13) — A Stockton Police K-9 has died from a heat-related issue, the department announced on Tuesday.

Nitro died on Tuesday afternoon after his handler noticed Nitro was having a medical issues, likely due to the heat, Stockton Police said.

Nitro was rushed to a nearby veterinary clinic where he died.

A police spokesman confirmed to CBS13 that a preliminary investigation is revealing the air conditioning unit inside the handler's car had failed.

In January, Nitro was on the scene when an intoxicated man with a hammer was reportedly vandalizing a house. When officers released Nitro, they say the man hit the K-9, prompting them to shoot and kill the suspect.

Nitro suffered a cut to his snout, but was back with his partner by the next morning.