Laurel Man Arrested for Attempted Murder

Friday, May 26, 2023 at 6:33 AM

By Franklin County Sheriff's Department, news release

Shots were allegedly fired at a home on Sanes Creek Road on May 21.

Joseph Steele. Photo provided.

(Franklin County, Ind.) - On Sunday, May 21, at about 6:09 a.m., Franklin County E911 received a report of shots being fired at a residence in the 25,000 block of Sanes Creek Road, Laurel.

Deputies with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, along with officers from nearby counties responded to the scene. The investigation revealed that a disturbance occurred at the Sanes Creek Road location earlier that morning. About one and a half hours later, the suspect returned and fired multiple shots into the occupied residence. However, the suspect had fled prior to officers’ arrival.

Around 7:30 a.m., Deputies located the suspect, identified as Joseph K. Steele, age 37 of Laurel, at a residence on Vanatta Road. Steele was taken into custody without incident. Steele was lodged in the Franklin County Security Center in lieu of bond. Deputies want to emphasize that this was an isolated incident and there was no threat to the public. No one was injured as a result of the shots being fired.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department emphasized that Steele’s preliminary charges are for booking and bail purposes only. Once the investigation is completed, Deputies will forward their investigation to the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office for consideration of what, if any, formal charges will be filed. Charges are merely an accusation and all criminal suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

More from Local News

Events

Four Arrested Following Sex Trafficking Operation in Greensburg

As a result of these investigations four individuals have been charged with child solicitation and promoting human trafficking.

FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Centers Open This Week in Dearborn Co.

Get help with disaster assistance registrations.

UPDATE: South Dearborn Announces Interim Superintendent

The school board also approved the sale of Manchester Elementary School on Tuesday night.

Batesville Wins Ripley County Tournament

The Bulldogs placed four on the All-County Team

Local Sports Report - September 8, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

Local Sports Report - September 4-5, 2026

There was lots of high school sports action of the holiday weekend.

On Air

Rick Bernius playing
Rascal Flatts - Praying for Daylight

Florida Georgia Line Cruise 16:05
Ashley McBryde What if We Don't 16:02
Fox News Fox News National Newscast 16:01
Charley Pride Never Been So Loved [In All of My Life] 15:58