Alleged Drug Use Cited as Search Continues for K-9 Shooting Suspect

LINDALE – Alleged drug use by police dog killing suspect Michael Paul Koch is causing concern as the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and all area law enforcement agencies continue to search for him. Koch is considered armed and dangerous, and authorities say they’re concerned about his current frame of mind due to what they term his continued methamphetamine usage. If you have any information on this case or the whereabouts of Michael Koch, you are urged to contact the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at 903-566-6600 or Tyler-Smith County Crimestoppers at 903-597- CUFF (2833). If you have information that leads to the arrest of Michael Koch and you call Tyler-Smith County Crimestoppers, you can receive a reward of $1,000.

Meanwhile, a funeral is scheduled for the police dog, shot to death following a traffic stop. Services for K-9 Ogar are planned for Saturday, January 23, at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Lindale. The services will be conducted with full law enforcement honors.The northern Smith County incident left two persons in custody and spurred a manhunt for Koch.

The Smith County Sheriff’s Department says it started Tuesday afternoon with a constable making the stop at Farm Road 849 and Interstate Highway 20. Ogar, who belonged to precinct 5 Constable Kenneth Bibby, was fatally shot and two people were arrested as Koch allegedly fled into a wooded area. The sheriff’s office earlier issued a statement asking all drivers to not pick up any hitchhikers on I-20 between Hwy 110 and FM 849 or along Hwy 110 from I20 to FM 849.

Koch is currently wanted by the Smith County Sheriff’s Office for the offense of interference with police service animals by killing, a second degree felony. Koch is known to frequent Van Zandt County and the Northwest portion of Smith County. Officials say if you happen upon Kock, do not approach him, and contact law enforcement immediately.