Trooper Bret Robert Clodfelter

Trooper Bret Robert Clodfelter

Oregon State Police, Oregon

End of Watch Wednesday, September 30, 1992

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Bret Robert Clodfelter

Trooper Bret Clodfelter was shot and killed while he was transporting a suspected drunk driver to jail near Klamath Falls.

Trooper Clodfelter had conducted a traffic stop of a suspected drunk driver at 12:30 a.m. He had handcuffed the driver and placed him in the back seat of his patrol car. Trooper Clodfelter offered to drive two passengers of the vehicle to their residence located nearby.

Dispatchers were unable to raise Trooper Clodfelter on the radio after he advised them of the arrest and transport. Backup officers were sent to check on him. His patrol car was located four blocks away from the original traffic stop. All three suspects were missing, and Trooper Clodfelter was found in the driver’s seat. He had been shot four times in the head. A massive manhunt ensued to capture the three suspects.

On October 2, 1992, tips led the police to the shooter, who was found hiding in a barn near the crime scene. The suspect had a history of assault and drug arrests. The suspect was convicted of murder and given life in prison without the possibility of parole. It was realized after his incarceration that the suspect had been in the United States illegally and had been removed to Mexico in December 1991. He returned to the U.S. and killed a Trooper Clodfelter less than 10 months later.

Trooper Clodfelter had served with the Oregon State Police for 8 years. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter. Trooper Clodfelter’s wife, who was a sheriff's deputy, took her own life one year after his murder.

Bio

  • Age 34
  • Tour 8 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Sentenced to life in prison

DUI, illegal alien, traffic stop

Most Recent Reflection

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O God of Peace, so many of America’s Peace Officers who are on the front lines to protect us never make it back home to their families. We pray for these fallen law enforcement officers, Lord God, who gave their lives for us. We pray for the families of these heroes, who have to now endure life without their loved one. Lord God, society tries to move forward, but there is always bloodshed occurring. We approach Your throne of glory and grace to beg of You for peace. Lord God, bring peace to this land – the United States of America. We plead for Your divine intervention to quiet our hearts and unify our communities. Stop the violence that occurs amid our cities. We thank You for all America’s Peace Officers who have died protecting us, and ask that You send an everlasting peace so that America’s Peace Officers on the streets may be safe and return home to their loved ones at the end of their assigned shifts. In Christ Jesus, Your blessed Son, I pray. Amen.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Intercessor for America’s Peace Officers
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

August 29, 2023

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