on November 14,2020, 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 Saturday, 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. Phone Number: 812-379-1650
We are currently working on the details for BSCO’s K9 Diesel’s Memorial Service. There is nothing 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.
This is a preliminary investigation. All persons are innocent until proven guilty in the court of law.