HILO, Hawaii — The Hawaii Police Department is investigating the death of one of its own K-9 officers, Archer, who died after being left in a police vehicle for what officials described as an “unacceptable amount of time,” WVLT reported.
“This was a preventable tragedy,” said Interim Police Chief Reed Mahuna. “Dogs should not be left unattended in a vehicle for any period of time.”
Mahuna said the K-9 handler is devastated, but the department will launch both criminal and administrative investigations into the incident. He emphasized that accountability would be a priority.
“We are committed to making sure something like this never happens again,” he said.
Archer was a 6-year-old Belgian Malinois and German shepherd mix originally from Hungary, according to the report. He joined the department in 2020 and served as a narcotics detection K-9, playing a key role in multiple operations aimed at removing drugs and dangerous contraband from the streets.
“Archer was not just a police dog; he was a partner, protector and a member of our police family,” Mahuna said, noting that the K-9’s handler is devastated.
Mahuna used the opportunity to remind the public of the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars.
“Leaving your car in the shade with water for the dog, or with the windows partially down, will not prevent your dog from overheating,” he said.
