SAN DIEGO - A San Diego Police Department Belgian Malinois died of a heat stroke after its handler left the shepherd-like dog in a patrol car amid 100-degree-plus heat June 20, according to a necropsy report released today.

"There is no doubt this dog died a horrific death," said Dawn Danielson, the director of San Diego's Department of Animal Services. "Now it will be up to the District Attorney to determine whether a crime was committed."

Forrest, 5, was assigned to Officer Paul Hubka, a 22-year veteran of the department, who found the dog dead that Friday afternoon, police said.

The car was parked outside Hubka's Alpine home for an undisclosed amount of time. The car's windows were rolled up, and the high in the area was 108 degrees, according to the city's Department of Animal Services.

Hubka is on the board of directors of the police union and chairs committees on fitness and safety, informants and charity, according to the group's Web site. It was unclear if he was disciplined.