The Bartholomew County Sheriff's Department K9 was killed in the line of duty Saturday.
On November 14, at approximately 4:20 p.m., Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office K9 Diesel was involved in a foot pursuit, which resulted in his death in the line of duty. BCSO deputies found Diesel laying in the lanes of I-65 where they removed him from the roadway. BCSO’s investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of death.
The suspect, later identified as Michael Stephens, 36, of Columbus, was apprehended on outstanding warrants as well as additional preliminary charges. He is currently being held in the Bartholomew County Jail on a 48-hour Hold.
Warrant:
- Count 1: Domestic Battery committed in the presence of a child less than 16 years old – F6
- Count 2: Domestic Battery committed in the presence of a child less than 16 years old – F6
New Preliminary Charges:
- Cruelty to a Law Enforcement Animal
- Resisting Law Enforcement
- Domestic Battery
- Intimidation
- Strangulation
If you or know of anyone traveling yesterday, November 14, on I-65 near the 62 mile marker between 4:00 – 4:30 p.m., and think you / they might have seen something or has additional information, please contact the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office and ask to speak with Lt. Chad Swank of the Investigations Division at 812-379-1650.
"BCSO is currently working on the details for K9 Diesel’s memorial service. There is nothing that we can say to ease anyone’s pain – we are all mourning the loss of Diesel. Diesel’s work has been responsible for countless arrests in our community as well as the constant uplifting of our morale while working on station. We will miss him."
