Walnut Creek Police officer Gerstner rescued a dog left inside a hot car at Burger King on N. Main Street Tuesday August1, 2017. Photo courtesy: Walnut Creek Police Dept.
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. - Walnut Creek police came to the aid of a dog that was left in a hot car in the sweltering heat.
According to a post on the department's Facebook page, a citizen called to report the dog left in a car in the parking lot of the Burger King on N. Main Street around 5 p.m. Tuesday.
When Officer Gerstner responded, the temperature was 97 degrees outside and the windows to the vehicle were shut.
The officer determined that the dog was in distress and removed it from the vehicle.
The dog is ok and is now in custody of Animal Control.
The Contra Costa District Attorney's office is investigating whether to pursue charges against the owner.
Police say this incident serves as a reminder not to leave pets in hot cars.