COALINGA, Calif. (KFSN) — Criminal charges will not be filed for death of Coalinga police K9, Nitro.
The announcement was made by Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp on Friday.
In her statement, Smittcamp said, “Make no mistake, Nitro’s death was both tragic and preventable, but the law does not support criminal charges based on these facts against either the handler or his family.”
In July 2024, Nitro was found in his outdoor kennel at his handler’s home. He was rushed to the hospital after looking lethargic, where he died.
The half-German Shepherd and half-Belgian Malinois was four years old and joined the department in March 2022.
Nitro had not been on the job for several months because his handler had been out on workers comp.
Smittcamp, however, said, that the case revealed that the Coalinga Police Department’s K9 policies need revisions and improvements.
Her office outline several policy change recommendations:
- Establishing a heat policy to protect canines during Central Valley’s extreme summer temperatures.
- Enforcing temporary relocation protocols when handlers are unavailable or unable to properly care for their canines.
- Setting minimum standards for canine equipment, such as adequate water sources, cooling devices, and kennel inspections.
- Clarifying the role of family members in emergency care situations when handlers are unavailable.
The DA’s Office emphasized Coalinga PD’s policy shortcomings, rather than intentional wrongdoing, placed Nitro in unsafe conditions which contributed to his death.
During his time at the department, Nitro was a part of the narcotics team and helped with several arrests.
Nitro was one of two police dogs at the department.
