Sheriff’s office seeks help from public after police dog killed during pursuit
COLUMBUS, Ind. (WISH) — The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for information after the Saturday death of their police dog, Diesel.
On Sunday, Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers said the community could pay their respects to Diesel by leaving behind a tribute near his handler’s police car parked at the sheriff’s office.
Police dog Diesel was found dead along Interstate-65 Saturday afternoon after he was involved in a foot pursuit with a domestic battery suspect.
Authorities were called Saturday before 4:30 p.m. to a domestic battery call. The suspect, Michael Stephens, 36, of Columbus, fled the scene when authorities arrived. Diesel was dispatched in an effort to apprehend Stephens.
A short time later, Diesel was found dead in the roadway.
The department is asking anyone who was traveling in the area of I-65 near mile marker 62 between 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Saturday and who may have seen something to call Lt. Chad Swank at 812-379-1650.
The cause of Diesel’s death has not yet been determined. The department is arranging a memorial service for him. Those details will be released once they are finalized.
“There is nothing that we can say to ease anyone’s pain — we are all mourning the loss of Diesel,” the department said in a statement released to News 8 Sunday. “Diesel’s work has been responsible for countless arrests in our community as well as the constant uplifting or our morale while working on station. We will miss him.”
Stephens was taken into custody on outstanding warrants of domestic battery. He is also facing preliminary charges of cruelty to a law enforcement animal, resisting law enforcement, domestic battery, intimidation, and strangulation.
