MINNEHAHA COUNTY DEPUTY KATHERINE ANN FRANK, 26, DIES AFTER OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING IN SIOUX FALLS
SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota. Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Deputy Katherine Ann Frank, 26, has died after suffering critical gunshot wounds during an officer-involved shooting in southwest Sioux Falls on Friday, October 9, 2026.
According to Global Report Center, emergency medical personnel and law enforcement officers responded to the incident. Frank received initial medical attention at the scene before paramedics transported her to a regional hospital in critical condition.
Despite intensive medical treatment over three days, she died on Monday, October 12.
Frank joined the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office in June 2024 after previously serving at the South Dakota State Penitentiary.
INVESTIGATION AND ARREST
The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, working alongside state and regional law enforcement agencies, secured the scene to collect forensic evidence and reconstruct the events surrounding the shooting.
Authorities arrested 39-year-old Brandon Oetken in connection with the incident. According to the report, he faces three counts of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer and three counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. Prosecutors are evaluating potential charge changes following Frank’s death.
The criminal investigation remains active.
COMMUNITY MOURNS DEPUTY FRANK
Frank’s death has brought grief to the South Dakota law enforcement community. Sheriff Mike Milstead praised her service and the impact she made during her time in law enforcement.
A public memorial has been established at the Law Enforcement Center at 320 W. 4th Street in Sioux Falls.
Frank is survived by her parents, five siblings, grandparents, and boyfriend. Officials are expected to release further information about visitation, funeral arrangements, and law enforcement honors through the sheriff’s office and family representatives.
Her death marks a profound loss for her family, colleagues, and the community she served.
Source: Global Report Center.
