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Cocoa police K-9 found dead in patrol vehicle

Investigation underway into 2-year-old Zena’s death, police say

COCOA, Fla. – A Cocoa Police Department K-9 named Zena was found dead in the back of her handler’s patrol vehicle Wednesday, according to the department.

“The Cocoa Police Department is heartbroken to announce the passing of our newest patrol dog K-9 Zena,” the agency wrote in a news release.

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Zena was discovered early Wednesday afternoon when her handler went to check on her during a training class in Melbourne, department officials said.

Melbourne police said the incident happened in the parking lot of Eastern Florida State College’s police academy.

Melbourne CSI workers were inspecting the K-9 officer’s car Thursday at the police building on Babcock Street before it was impounded.

The Cocoa Police Department said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of death and if protocols were followed.

Zena joined the department in August 2020 and was a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois certified in April for patrol work, according to Cocoa police.