By Blake Haas

SHIRLEY – A man wanted on felonies in McLean County is now facing new charges of attempting to drown a police K-9.

McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage said officers went to apprehend a suspect wanted on two McLean County felony warrants at a camp site in rural Shirley, around 12:30 Monday afternoon.

When attempting to arrest Stephen Sholty, 40, of Shirley, the suspect then fled to a nearby creek.

“The subject attempted to flee in a creek, and when our K-9 was sent after him he tried to grab the K-9 and drown it in the water,” said Sandage. “The suspect was bitten and taken to (a nearby hospital) for treatment and then taken to the jail.”

Sholty appearing in front of Associate Judge Scott Black via video at the McLean County Law and Justice Center had a bandage across his left arm.

Associate Judge Scott Black set a cash bond for Sholty for $2,035.

The State’s Attorneys Office said K-9 Rico was coughing and sluggish after the incident but is fine now.

Sholty is also facing charges of resisting/obstructing/peace officer, false alarm to 911, and battery.

Sholty is due back in court July 16 at 9 a.m.

Blake Haas can be reached at Blake.Haas@cumulus.com.