STATEHOUSE (March 11, 2010) - An offender who causes the death of a law enforcement officer while fleeing police and someone under the influence who kills a law enforcement animal could soon face tougher penalties under legislation that is now on its way to the governor’s desk.

Senate Bill 170, authored by State Sen. Joe Zakas (R-Granger), was approved today by a 36-14 vote in the Senate and a 67-28 vote in the House.

Area legislators crafted this proposal in response to the deaths of Mishawaka Police Officer James Szuba and his K-9 partner, Ricky, who were killed in January when an impaired driver fleeing the police crashed into Szuba’s squad car. Reps. Craig Fry, Ryan Dvorak and Jackie Walorski promoted the bill, along with Zakas and Sen. John Broden.

“This law will serve as a tribute and recognize the sacrifice and honor the memory of Officer Szuba along with his trained K-9 partner,” Zakas said. “Going forward, it will recognize the law enforcement community and the work they do ‘to serve and protect’ citizens across our state.”

If signed into law by the governor, SB 170 would take effect this year. The legislations provides for a Class A felony if the death of a police officer on duty is caused by a person fleeing the authorities. The penalty for an impaired offender who cause the death of a law enforcement animal would be a lower Class D felony.

“This bill provides important additional protection for law enforcement officers as we saw with the recent tragedy regarding Officer Szuba,” Broden said. “Law enforcement officers as well as the rest of the community are placed at great risk by persons who are evading arrest in a car.”

Sen. Zakas represents Senate District 11, which includes portions of St. Joseph and Elkhart counties.

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