Officer Carl Petersen

Officer Carl Petersen

Westhope Police Department, North Dakota

End of Watch Monday, October 2, 1922

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Carl Petersen

Officer Carl Petersen was shot and killed when he attempted to arrest four men who had broken into a local hardware store at approximately 2:00 am. As he approached the building, he was shot in the leg and bled to death at the scene.

Three weeks later, two of the men were arrested and charged with his murder. One was convicted of murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison. On July 26, 1936, he was released. On January 14, 1923, the other suspect was sentenced to 18 months. He was released six months later. A third suspect was arrested in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1926. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to 25 years. On April 8, 1936, he was released. The fourth suspect, believed to be the shooter, was never apprehended.

Officer Petersen had served with the Westhope Police Department for one week. He was survived by his wife and nine children. He was preceded in death by a daughter.

He was buried in Dovre Lutheran Cemetery, Newberg, North Dakota.

Bio

  • Age 56
  • Tour 1 week
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

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

robbery

Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Petersen,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Westhope. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 2, 2022

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