South Dakota Deputy Dies After Sioux Falls Shooting

Minnehaha County Sheriff's Deputy Katherine Frank, 26, died after being shot during a confrontation at a Sioux Falls home that left a suspect wounded, according to the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office. Frank had been critically injured and died three days later surrounded by family and loved ones.

The shooting happened after deputies arrived at the home and gunfire erupted about 30 minutes later, the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office said. Frank and the suspect were treated at the scene before being taken to hospitals.

The sheriff's office said Frank's death affected the agency and the wider law enforcement community around Sioux Falls.

"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. Her absence will be felt deeply by all who have had the privilege of working alongside her," said the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office.

The suspect, Brandon John Oetken, 39, of Sioux Falls, was charged with three counts of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer and three counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, according to jail records reviewed by Fox News Digital.

Minnehaha County jail records also list a felony offense of disarming a law enforcement officer. Oetken remained in custody without bond, and it was not immediately clear whether additional charges would be filed after Frank's death.

The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is handling the shooting investigation at the sheriff's office's request. South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley had said investigators would review the use of force during the encounter, with a public report expected within 30 days.

Jackley issued a statement honoring Frank after her death and recognized her service as a law enforcement officer.

"We mourn the loss of Minnehaha County Sheriff's Deputy Katherine Frank, who sacrificed everything in the line of duty to keep us safe. Let us never forget her courage and the service of all of our law enforcement officers. Deputy Frank and her family remain in our prayers," said South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley.

The attorney general's office said the shooting was the fifth involving law enforcement officers in South Dakota this year. Frank previously worked at the South Dakota State Penitentiary beginning in September 2022 before joining the sheriff's office in June 2024.

The sheriff's office said Frank became an organ donor in her final act of service and continued helping others after her death.

"Deputy Frank served with dignity and heart. Her service made a meaningful difference, and her impact will remain with us always," said the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office.