The Smith County Sheriff’s Office announced the man responsible for killing a police K-9 has reached a plea deal with the Smith County District Attorney’s Office.

Michael Paul Koch, 35, of Grand Saline, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for interference with police service animals by killing, 40 years for manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance, 20 years for evading arrest, 20 years for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and 10 years for theft after pleading guilty to the crimes. Those sentences will run concurrently, therefore, he will serve a maximum of 40 years. 

A second charge of manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance was dismissed.

On January 19, Smith County Constable Precinct 5 conducted a  traffic stop at Farm-To-Market 849 and Interstate 20 West. Ogar, a police K-9 was shot and killed after a deputy got into a wrestling match with Koch. 

Koch was arrested Saturday, January 23, in Garland, after having been on the run since January 19.

At a Friday afternoon press conference, officials said they believed Koch snuck up on Ogar and shot him when the killing occurred. Authorities also praised the dog for saving Officer Petty’s life.

manufacture and delivery 20, evading 20, firearm 20, theft

Koch’s confinement will commence Friday. He is eligible for parole after 20 years.

#JusticeForOgar