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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe proposed amendment making it a Class D felony for someone who kills a police animal while driving drunk has found a home in legislation. Senate Bill 170 was stripped and new language was added to include the amendment proposed by St. Joseph County Prosecutor Michael Dvorak following the death of a Mishawaka police officer and his K-9 partner in January. The two were killed after an alleged drunk driver hit their car during a police chase.
The bill also would make it a Class C felony if someone fails to stop after causing serious bodily injury to someone and a Class B felony if someone is killed or the person fails to stop after causing serious bodily injury while driving while intoxicated.
The House Committee on Interstate and International Cooperation approved the bill 8-0 this week. SB 170 originally addressed road issues in St. Joseph County.
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