Investigator Bret Duane Tepe

Bret Duane Tepe

Investigator Bret Tepe was killed in an automobile accident while driving on U.S. 50 near Spearville at 0920 hours.

Investigator Tepe was on duty and driving his personal vehicle, when a car traveling the opposite direction experienced a tire blow-out. The vehicle crossed into Investigator Tepe's lane and struck his vehicle head-on. Investigator Tepe and the driver of the other car were both killed.

Investigators for the Ford County Sheriff's Office drive their personal vehicles while on duty to reduce the costs of purchasing vehicles by the department.

Investigator Tepe was a U.S. Navy veteran. He had served with the Ford County Sheriff's Office for 12 years, and previously served 1 year with the Goodland Police Department.

He is survived by his wife and three children.