The officer, who has not been named, was attending a training exercise May 5 when he left the animal unattended for about three hours and 15 minutes inside his personal vehicle, police said.

When the officer returned to the vehicle, which was in a parking lot in the 2200 block of Lincoln Avenue, he found the 61/2-year Belgian Malinois in "distress," Alameda police Lt. Bill Scott said.

The dog was brought to the Bay Area Veterinary Emergency Clinic in San Leandro, where it died.

"It was a tragic accident," Scott said. "There was no intention on the officer's part for this to happen, whatsoever."

Investigators presented a possible criminal case on the animal's death to Alameda County Assistant District Attorney Charlotte Green on Wednesday.

Green is expected to announce Monday whether she plans to file charges, Scott said.

The officer remains on duty.

Editor: Regardless of criminal charges or not, this is a terrible tragedy and we extend our sympathy and condolences to all involved.

Note: As of 10 a.m., Mercury News has removed the story completely?
Inside Bay Area ironically as moved it from the "News" section to the "Living" section?
New source: http://www.insidebayarea.com/bay-area-living/ci_12465291