Metro-Dade Police Department, Florida
End of Watch: Saturday, March 15, 1997
Age: 48
Tour of Duty: 10 years
Badge Number: 2607
Cause of Death: Duty related illness
Date of Incident: May 29, 1981
Weapon Used: Handgun; .357 caliber
Suspect Info: Shot by Officer Wentlandt
Police Officer Richard Wentlandt died on the evening of March 15th, 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, encountered a rape in progress in a remote area near NW 156th Street and 42nd Avenue. 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 bedridden.
In February 2012 Officer Wentlandt's killer was denied parole.
Officer Wentlandt had served with the Metro-Dade Police Department for 10 years.