A Sioux Falls deputy shooting has left a Minnehaha County sheriff’s deputy hospitalized in critical condition after an exchange of gunfire Friday night, October 9, 2026, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The suspect in the case, 39-year-old Brandon Oetken of Sioux Falls, was arrested and now faces a string of serious charges tied to the shooting of law enforcement officers.
TL;DR: A Minnehaha County deputy was shot Friday night in the 2900 block of South Keyrell Drive and remains in critical condition. Brandon Oetken, 39, was arrested and charged with three counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement official and six counts of aggravated assault of a law enforcement official. The shooting is now under investigation by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.
How the Shooting Unfolded
The incident began with an initial call for service around 7 p.m. Friday, though the nature of that call has not been disclosed. Three deputies arrived at the home involved in the call by 7:30 p.m., according to reporting by the Argus Leader.
At about 8:02 p.m., an exchange of gunfire broke out at the residence in the 2900 block of South Keyrell Drive. During the shooting, Oetken and a female deputy were both struck. Both individuals received medical aid at the scene before being transported to area hospitals.
Neighbors in the area told the Argus Leader that they consistently heard three or four gunshots around the time of the incident, though no one was willing to provide their names on the record when a reporter visited the neighborhood Saturday morning.
Charges Against Brandon Oetken
Oetken was charged with three counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement official and six counts of aggravated assault of a law enforcement official following the shooting. As of Saturday afternoon, he had not yet been booked into the Minnehaha County Jail, and the exact condition of the suspect was unclear.
Because the case is in its earliest stages, the charges represent the initial criminal complaint. Prosecutors will need to continue building the case as investigators gather evidence from the scene.
Sheriff’s Office Asks for Prayers
During a press briefing Saturday, sheriff-elect Capt. Josh Phillips asked the community to keep the deputy and her colleagues in their thoughts, telling reporters the office was asking for prayers for its deputies. He noted that details are being limited out of respect for the deputy’s family.
In a joint statement shared on Facebook on Saturday, Sioux Falls Mayor Christine Erickson and Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum expressed support for the wounded deputy, her family, fellow deputies, and the responding officers, calling the incident a painful reminder of the dangers law enforcement faces.
State Investigators Take Over
The incident is now under investigation by the Division of Criminal Investigations under the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office, which will assess the use of force by the officers involved. The Sioux Falls Police Department is assisting with the investigation.
Authorities expect the investigation to take about 30 days. At that point, Attorney General Marty Jackley is expected to release the findings in detail and announce whether the shooting of the civilian involved was deemed justified.
Third Area Shooting Involving Officers This Year
This is the third officer-involved shooting in the Sioux Falls area so far in 2026, and the fifth statewide. In July, an exchange of gunfire from a resident’s garage in the 3200 block of East 20th Street left the suspect dead at the scene and a Sioux Falls police officer hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. In April, an officer was shot near the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds after a vehicle chase; that officer suffered multiple injuries but was listed as stable.
Both of those earlier shootings were ultimately ruled justified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in the Sioux Falls deputy shooting?
Brandon Oetken, 39, of Sioux Falls was arrested in connection with the shooting. He is charged with three counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement official and six counts of aggravated assault of a law enforcement official.
What is the condition of the deputy who was shot?
The Minnehaha County sheriff’s deputy, a woman, was in critical condition at a hospital as of Saturday, October 10, 2026. Officials have limited additional details out of respect for her family.
Where did the shooting happen?
The shooting occurred at about 8:02 p.m. Friday in the 2900 block of South Keyrell Drive in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, after deputies responded to an initial call for service around 7 p.m.
Was the suspect injured?
Yes. Oetken was also struck during the exchange of gunfire. Both he and the deputy received medical aid on scene and were taken to area hospitals. As of Saturday afternoon he had not yet been booked into the Minnehaha County Jail.
Who is investigating the shooting?
The Division of Criminal Investigations under the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office is investigating the use of force by the officers involved, with assistance from the Sioux Falls Police Department.
When will investigators release their findings?
The investigation is expected to take about 30 days, after which Attorney General Marty Jackley is expected to release detailed findings, including whether the shooting of the civilian was deemed justified.
How many officer-involved shootings has Sioux Falls seen in 2026?
This was the third officer-involved shooting in the Sioux Falls area this year and the fifth statewide. The two earlier area shootings, in July and April, were both ruled justified.
Featured image: KXRB (Townsquare Media)
