Patrolman Frank Peterson

Frank Peterson

Patrolman Frank Peterson was shot and killed when he surprised two men burglarizing a business on Main Street early in the morning.

The suspects opened fire on Patrolman Peterson, wounding him. The suspects then used a total of seven guns to shoot Patrolman Peterson 16 times. Several of the shots came from the officer's service revolver. The two men were arrested in Minot several days later and charged with first degree murder.

Both suspects, ages 21 and 22, were convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on March 19, 1963. One was paroled in 1979 and the other shortly thereafter.

Patrolman Peterson was a part-time officer for the Rugby Police Department and had previously served as a deputy for the Pierce County Sheriff's Department.

He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.