Deputy Sheriff Walter Kruegel succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained nine days earlier while transporting a prisoner.

The prisoner produced a concealed .22 caliber handgun and shot Deputy Kruegel twice. Deputy Kruegel was able to struggle with the man and gain control of the gun but the man fled. The suspect was eventually apprehended and charged with murder after Deputy Kruegel died.

Deputy Kruegel had served with the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office for four years.