Philadelphia officer killed in deadly ambush
A deadly ambush in West Philadelphia killed Officer Shane Seiber and sent his partner to the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds. 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. Court records show the suspect has a criminal history dating to 2012.
A 26-year-old South Dakota sheriff’s deputy died after being shot during a confrontation at a Sioux Falls home that also left a suspect wounded.
Minnehaha County Deputy Katherine Frank was critically injured Friday night when shots were fired roughly 30 minutes after deputies arrived at the residence, according to the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office.
Frank and the suspect were initially 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, after suffering critical injuries in a shooting three days earlier. The sheriff’s office said Frank became an organ donor in a final act of service. (Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office Facebook)
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.
Records from the Minnehaha County Jail reviewed by News Media 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 following Frank’s death.
News Media contacted the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnehaha County State’s Attorney’s Office seeking additional details about the shooting and the case 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 request of the sheriff’s office, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation into the shooting.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley honored Frank’s service 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 a 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 was 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 memorial in Sioux Falls, S.D., 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.”