Columbus, IN — Early Saturday evening, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office K9 Diesel was involved in a foot pursuit, which resulted in his death in the line of duty. Sheriff deputies found Diesel laying in the lanes of I-65 where they removed him from the roadway. The investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of death.
The suspect, later identified as Michael Stephens, 36, of Columbus, was apprehended on two outstanding warrants for Domestic Battery committed in the presence of a child less than 16 years old, as well as new charges on allegations of Cruelty to a Law Enforcement Animal, Resisting Law Enforcement, Domestic Battery, Intimidation, and 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.
The department is currently working on the details for BCSO’s K9 Diesel’s Memorial Service. For those who would like to pay their respects and leave behind a tribute to BCSO’s K9 Deputy Diesel, his handler’s vehicle is parked in front of the Sheriff’s Office. Please park across the street in the parking lot and use the crosswalk to cross the street.
