COLUMBUS, Ind. – Authorities at the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) have identified the suspect who was allegedly involved in a domestic dispute and then led deputies on a chase that resulted in the death of K-9 Diesel late Saturday afternoon. When BCSO responded to the call, the man first fled in a vehicle and then on foot. Diesel pursued and was later found dead alongside I-65.
The suspect, Michael Stephens, 36, of Columbus, was located in a ditch. He was arrested and is in the Bartholomew County Jail on a 48-hour hold. Stephens was charged with two outstanding warrants of domestic battery in the presence of a child less than 16 years old, cruelty to a law enforcement animal, domestic battery, resisting law enforcement, intimidation, and strangulation.
Sheriff Matt Myers said although memorial services have not been announced yet if you would like to pay your respects or leave a tribute to the K-9, his handler’s vehicle is parked in front of the sheriff’s office on Second Street. You are asked to park in the parking lot across the street and use the crosswalk.
Myers is requesting help with finding out how Diesel was killed. Anyone who was traveling on I-65 on Saturday, near the 62-mile marker at about 4 to 4:30 p.m., and thinks you might have seen something or have additional information, call the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office at 812-379-1650.
