Gas City, Indiana – A former Fairmount police officer, Kyle Vincent, faces charges of animal cruelty following the tragic death of his K-9 partner, Zeus, who was left unattended in his patrol vehicle for approximately 12 hours after Vincent’s overnight shift in September 2023.

Charges Filed in Gas City Court

Court documents filed in Gas City city court reveal that Vincent, 36 years old, has been charged with one misdemeanor count of animal cruelty. Vincent had served with the Fairmount Police Department since December 2022 but resigned from his position in September 2023.

Tragic Discovery and Changing Accounts

On September 10, 2023, Vincent returned home from his overnight shift around 6 a.m. with Zeus, his K-9 companion. Fairmount Police Chief Richard Dollar informed investigators that Vincent contacted him at approximately 7:13 p.m. the same day to report Zeus’s death in his patrol car.

Initially, Vincent provided conflicting accounts of the incident, stating he had placed Zeus in the vehicle either at 2 p.m. or 12 p.m. before falling asleep during a football game. Subsequently, he admitted to forgetting Zeus in the car after his shift, attributing his actions to a mental fog stemming from depression and PTSD.

Emotional Toll and Verbal Resignation

During an interview with investigators, Vincent recounted returning home after his shift on September 10, noting Zeus’s uncharacteristic silence and lack of excitement. Upon discovering Zeus’s fate, Vincent reportedly experienced profound emotional distress, spending approximately 20 minutes in tears.

Vincent cited his mental health struggles as contributing factors to his forgetfulness and inconsistent statements. He verbally resigned from the Fairmount Police Department on September 12, 2023, prompting further inquiries into the circumstances surrounding Zeus’s death.

Conclusion: Reminders of Responsibility and Vigilance

The tragic death of K-9 Zeus serves as a somber reminder of the critical importance of vigilance and responsibility in the care of police animals. The case underscores the need for comprehensive protocols and training to prevent similar incidents in the future. As legal proceedings unfold, the community awaits justice for Zeus, whose loyal service and untimely demise have left a lasting impact.

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