K-9 Diesel

Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department
Saturday, November 14, 2020

Handler:
Deputy Sheriff Joshua “Matt” Bush

Incident Details

Cause of Death:
Struck by vehicle
Date/Time of Incident:
Saturday, November 14, 2020
04:30 pm
Incident to Death Duration:
Same day
Incident Location:
Interstate 65 near County Road 600 South
Incident County:
Bartholomew
Incident Township:
Wayne
Weapon Used:
None
Suspect Disposition:
Released in 2023
(currently on probation)

   K-9 Diesel was struck by a vehicle while pursuing a suspect from an earlier domestic violence incident who fled prior to deputies arrival at the scene.

   The man, who was wanted for strangulation and battery, was later seen near County Road 600 South and County Road 250 West. When his vehicle was stopped after a brief pursuit he again fled on foot into a wooded area. K-9 Diesel was released by his handler who remained with two occupants of the vehicle.

   K-9 Diesel was found dead along Interstate 65 after a motorist stopped to move the animal off the highway. It was later determined through a necropsy that his injuries were consistent with being struck by a vehicle as he attempted to cross the interstate.

   The 36-year-old suspect was taken into custody when he was found hiding in a nearby ravine. He was later convicted of invasion of privacy, resisting law enforcement, intimidation and interfering with a law enforcement animal.

   He was sentenced to a total of 2½ years in prison and $18,080 in restitution. The felony charges of strangulation, domestic battery, residential entry and intimidation were dismissed.

   The offender was released in December 2023 and is currently on probation.

   K-9 Diesel, a 6-year-old male German Shepherd, had served with the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department for nearly four years.

View all fallen officers from the
Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department