COLUMBUS, Ind. — Bartholomew County Sheriff deputies have arrested a local man wanted in a pursuit that resulted in the death of sheriff department K9 Diesel.
At 4:20 p.m. Saturday, Deputy Matt Bush released Diesel to a foot pursuit of a suspect near County Road 600S and 250W.
Later, deputies found the dog in the lanes of I-65 and the suspect, later identified as Michael Stephens, 36, Columbus, was found in a ravine near the interstate.
The incident that led to Diesel’s death began on day shift, when a domestic battery was reported to the sheriff’s department, Myers said. The suspect, who was wanted for strangulation and battery, had fled prior to the deputies arriving.
The search was passed on to the afternoon shift and deputies were in the area of County Road 600S and 250W when the individual was found and Bush attempted to stop the suspect’s vehicle, Myers said.
The suspect got out of his vehicle and ran, and Bush warned the individual that he would release Diesel if the suspect didn’t stop. When the suspect kept running, Diesel was released. Bush stayed at the scene with two other people who were in the suspect’s vehicle, Myers said.
Deputies believe Diesel following the individual across the interstate, but the deputies did not see the dog being hit by a vehicle. They only learned what had happened to Diesel when attempts to call him back were unsuccessful.
The department initially believed the dog was struck, but now are investigating if Diesel was stabbed or injured while chasing the suspect, leading to the dog’s death, Myers said.
Stephens was arrested on outstanding warrants as well as additional preliminary charges. He is currently being held in the Bartholomew County Jail on a 48-hour hold.
Preliminary charges include a warrant for two counts of felony domestic battery committed in the presence of a child younger than age 16, and new charges of cruelty to a law enforcement animal, resisting law enforcement, domestic battery, intimidation and strangulation.
Deputies are asking if you or anyone you know was traveling on I-65 between 4 and 4:30 p.m. and saw something in relation to this case to call the sheriff’s department at 812-379-1650 and ask to speak with Lt. Chad Swank in the investigations division.
The department is receiving calls from all over the nation about Diesel’s death expressing condolences and the department is currently working on a 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,” Myers said in a statement on Sunday.
For more on this story, see Monday’s Republic.
