S.D. Deputy Dies Days After Suspect Opened Fire During Call

Minnehaha County Sheriff's Deputy Katherine Frank died Monday after spending days in critical condition following a shooting that erupted while deputies responded to a call in Sioux Falls.
Source Officer.com News
Oct. 13, 2026
2 min read
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What to Know

  • Minnehaha County Sheriff's Deputy Katherine Frank died Monday after she was critically wounded in a shooting while responding to a call in Sioux Falls.
  • Authorities said shots were fired about 30 minutes after deputies arrived, and both Frank and suspect Brandon John Oetken were struck in the exchange.
  • Oetken faces multiple charges, and the shooting remains under investigation as the community mourn's Frank's death.
Minnehaha County, SD, Sheriff's Office
Minnehaha County Sheriff's Deputy Katherine Frank

Minnehaha County Sheriff's Deputy Katherine Frank and a suspect were both shot Friday during an exchange of gunfire after deputies had been on the scene of a call for about 30 minutes.

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A South Dakota deputy died Monday, days after she was shot during a call.

Minnehaha County Sheriff's Deputy Katherine Frank was part of the response to a call in Sioux Falls on Friday, the agency stated in a news release. Shots were fired about a half hour after deputies reached the scene, and Frank and a suspect, identified as Brandon John Oetken, were struck in the exchange.

Both were rushed to the hospital, and Frank was in critical condition. On Monday, she succumbed to her injuries.

"Deputy Frank’s death is a significant loss to our agency and to the broader law enforcement community in and around Sioux Falls," the department stated in a social media post. "She served the citizens of Minnehaha County with professionalism, humility, and dedication. Her absence will be felt deeply by all who have had the privilege of working alongside her."

Oetken faces multiple charges in the incident. The shooting is under investigation.

Frank joined the sheriff's office in June 2024. Previously, she worked at the South Dakota State Penitentiary. 

A memorial has been set up at the county's Law Enforcement Center. A GoFundMe campaign also has been established for Frank's family.

"Katherine was more than her badge," the GoFundMe page stated. "She was a beloved sister, daughter, granddaughter, girlfriend, and friend. Her family describes her as incredibly funny and someone who gets along with just about everybody."

"She was deeply loved, and her loss is felt by so many," the page added.

About the Author

Joe Vince
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Joe Vince

Joining Endeavor Business Media in 2018, Joe has worked on the company's city services publications. He began working at OFFICER.com as the assistant editor. Before starting at Endeavor, Joe had worked for a variety of print and online news outlets, including the Indianapolis Star, the South Bend Tribune, Reddit and Patch.com.
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