SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A man accused in the fatal shooting of a Minnehaha County sheriff’s deputy is now facing multiple felony charges.
Court documents show 39-year-old Brandon John Oetken has been charged with three counts of attempted first-degree murder and three counts of aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer following the Oct. 9 incident.
Authorities say deputies were dispatched to Oetken’s home to serve a mental illness hold. According to investigators, three officers, including Deputy Katherine Frank, responded to the residence. Witnesses told investigators that Oetken recognized the responding officers as law enforcement.
Court records allege that after retreating into the home while speaking with officers, Oetken produced a handgun and pointed it at the deputies as they stood in the entryway. Investigators say officers began retreating when Oetken allegedly opened fire, striking Deputy Frank at close range.
Another officer returned fire, and Oetken was struck multiple times during the exchange.
The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation and has reviewed body camera footage from the incident. Deputy Frank later died from her injuries.
The case remains under investigation as court proceedings move forward.
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