Trooper Donald C. "Pete" Pederson

Trooper Donald C. "Pete" Pederson

Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin

End of Watch Saturday, August 26, 1972

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Donald C. "Pete" Pederson

Trooper Pete Pederson was shot and killed in an ambush by a 16-year-old boy while investigating an accident scene.

Trooper Pederson had been dispatched to an accident scene and, upon arrival, located a vehicle in a ditch. As he approached the vehicle, the boy, who was hiding at the front of the vehicle, opened fire and fatally wounded Trooper Pederson. The suspect fled but was later apprehended. It was determined that Trooper Pederson had issued the boy a citation earlier in the evening, but the boy refused to give a motive as to why he ambushed him.

The suspect was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 5 to 25 years at the Green Bay State Reformatory on December 1, 1972.

Trooper Pederson was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Wisconsin State Patrol for six years, assigned to District 3. Before that, he had been a police officer in Rhinelander. He was survived by his wife, two daughters, mother, and sister.

Bio

  • Age 31
  • Tour 6 years
  • Badge 343
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Sentenced to 5 to 25 years

ambush, retaliation

Most Recent Reflection

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Trooper Pederson,
On today, the 51st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 26, 2023

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