Bio & Incident Details
Age: 48
Tour: 10 years
Badge # Not available
Cause: Duty related illness
Incident Date: 5/29/1981
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Police Officer Richard Wentlandt died on the evening of March 15, 1997, from a Hepatitis C infection that he contracted during blood transfusions after being shot in the line of duty on May 29, 1981.
While on patrol Officer Wentlandt spotted a car parked in a remote area. As he exited his patrol car to approach the vehicle the occupant fired on him, striking him six times. He was able to return fire, wounding the suspect. The subject was in the process of raping a woman whom he had just abducted. Officer Wentlandt is credited with saving her life.
Before his death, Officer Wentlandt's health deteriorated to the point where he was completely bed ridden.
In February 2012 Officer Wentlandt's killer was denied parole.
Officer Wentlandt had served with the Metro-Dade Police Department for 10 years.
