Philadelphia officer killed in deadly ambush
A deadly ambush in West Philadelphia killed Officer Shane Seiber and left his partner hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds. Suspect Eric Lewis, an employee of the Philadelphia Water Department, was arraigned on more than 70 charges, including murder and homicide of a law enforcement officer. Lewis has a lengthy criminal record dating to 2012.
A 26-year-old South Dakota sheriff’s deputy has died after she was shot during a confrontation at a Sioux Falls home that also left a suspect wounded.
Minnehaha County Deputy Katherine Frank suffered critical injuries Friday night when gunfire broke out about 30 minutes after deputies arrived at the residence, the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office said.
Frank and the suspect were treated at the scene before being transported to hospitals. After spending three days in critical condition, Frank died Monday surrounded by family and loved ones.
“Deputy Frank’s death is a significant loss to our agency and to the broader law enforcement community in and around Sioux Falls,” the sheriff’s office said. “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.”
Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Deputy Katherine Frank, 26, died Oct. 12, 2026, three days after she was critically wounded in a shooting. The sheriff’s office said Frank became an organ donor in a final act of service. (Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office Facebook)
The suspect, 39-year-old Brandon John Oetken of Sioux Falls, faces three counts of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer and three counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.
Minnehaha County jail records reviewed by News Outlet also show a felony charge for disarming a law enforcement officer. Oetken remained jailed without bond Tuesday morning.
It was not immediately known whether prosecutors would pursue additional charges after Frank’s death.
News Outlet contacted the sheriff’s office and the Minnehaha County State’s Attorney’s Office seeking additional information about the shooting and the charges against Oetken.
Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Deputy Katherine Frank, right, takes the oath of office beside another deputy during a swearing-in ceremony. Frank joined the sheriff’s office in June 2024. (Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office Facebook)
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At the sheriff’s office’s request, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation into the shooting.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley honored Frank after her death.
“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,” Jackley said in a statement.
Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Deputy Katherine Frank, left, poses with a judge and fellow deputy during a swearing-in ceremony. Frank joined the department in June 2024 after working at the South Dakota State Penitentiary. (Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office Facebook)
Jackley previously said investigators would examine the use of force during the encounter, with a public report expected within 30 days.
The attorney general’s office said the shooting marked the fifth incident involving law enforcement officers in South Dakota this year.
Flowers, photographs and other tributes surround Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Deputy Katherine Frank’s patrol vehicle at a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, memorial following the 26-year-old deputy’s death on Oct. 12, 2026. (Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office)
Frank began working at the South Dakota State Penitentiary in September 2022 and joined the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office in June 2024.
The sheriff’s office said Frank became an organ donor in her final act of service, continuing to help others after her death.
“Deputy Frank served with dignity and heart,” the sheriff’s office said. “Her service made a meaningful difference, and her impact will remain with us always.”
