Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Deputy Katherine Ann Frank died on Monday, Oct. 12, from injuries she sustained during a shooting in southwest Sioux Falls three days earlier, the sheriff’s office confirmed. Deputy Frank, 26, was shot in the line of duty on Friday night, triggering an outpouring of grief, condolences, and tributes from law enforcement agencies, state leaders, and federal lawmakers.
Line of Duty Incident and Suspect Arrest
Three deputies responded to a call in the 2900 block of South Keyrell Drive in Sioux Falls at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Friday, according to the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office. Shots were fired during the encounter at around 8:02 p.m. One shot struck Deputy Frank, and the suspect was wounded at the scene. Immediate medical aid was given to both individuals before they were transported for care.
Minnehaha County State’s Attorney Daniel Haggar announced that a criminal complaint was initiated against 39-year-old Brandon Oetken. The charges include three separate counts of attempted first-degree murder on a law enforcement officer and three separate counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.
Tributes and Community Response
Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead and Sheriff-elect Josh Phillips issued a joint statement mourning the loss of the young deputy. "Deputy Frank’s death is a significant loss to our agency and to the broader law enforcement community in and around Sioux Falls. She served the citizens of Minnehaha County with professionalism, humility and dedication," the statement read.
Frank joined the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office in June 2024, following prior service at the South Dakota State Penitentiary starting in September 2022. According to historical tracking from the Officer Down Memorial page, her passing marks the first line-of-duty firearm fatality for a South Dakota law enforcement officer since 2011.
Authorities noted that Frank was surrounded by her family and loved ones at the time of her passing. Honoring her giving spirit, officials confirmed that she was an organ donor.
Public Memorial and Support Fund
A public memorial has been established outside the Law Enforcement Center located at 320 W. 4th Street in downtown Sioux Falls. Community members can gather there to leave tributes and pay their respects.
Additionally, the Minnehaha County Deputies Association has organized an official GoFundMe campaign to provide financial support to her family. Frank is survived by her parents, five siblings, grandparents, and her boyfriend.
The Sioux Falls Police Labor Council released a statement emphasizing solidarity among regional emergency services. "As we honor her life and sacrifice, we also stand united in our call for justice. We urge the Minnehaha County State’s Attorney’s Office and all prosecuting authorities involved to pursue every criminal charge warranted by the evidence, to the fullest extent permitted by law," the council stated.
