SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says a Division of Criminal Investigation review has determined a Minnehaha County sheriff’s deputy was justified in using deadly force during an officer-involved shooting in Sioux Falls that resulted in the death of Deputy Katherine Frank.
According to investigators, deputies were attempting to serve a mental health detention warrant on 39-year-old Brandon Oetken on October 9th when he refused commands to leave the residence. Authorities say Oetken then pointed a firearm at deputies and fired, striking Deputy Frank.
A second deputy returned fire, striking Oetken. Deputy Frank later died from her injuries on October 12th. Oetken survived with non-life-threatening injuries.
Attorney General Jackley said the use of force was warranted because the situation posed an immediate threat to the safety of the deputies. Investigators recovered a .22-caliber revolver at the scene and reviewed evidence, witness statements, and body camera footage as part of the investigation.
Oetken has been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and other offenses. The case remains pending, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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