Deputy Sheriff Jack Dean Werner, Olmsted County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota

Deputy Sheriff Jack Dean Werner

Olmsted County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota

End of Watch Tuesday, May 17, 1977

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Jack Dean Werner

Deputy Sheriff Jack Werner was shot and killed when he attempted to stop a suspect who was driving wildly in the deserted Apache Mall parking lot in Rochester.

The subject opened fire on Deputy Werner with a sawed-off shotgun, striking him twice in the chest. The man then fled in Deputy Werner's patrol car but was apprehended four hours later.

The man, 20, was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on September 21st, 1977. On September 20, 1980, he killed a fellow inmate in Stillwater Prison and got 14 years added to his sentence on May 19, 1981.

Deputy Werner had served with the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office for five years. He was survived by his wife and two daughters.

Bio

Age 33
Tour 5 years
Badge 37

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun; 20 gauge
Offender Sentenced to life

traffic stop

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Most Recent Reflection

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When I was a kid my dad would run while I would ride my bike on the trails of Rochester. I always remember seeing Deputy Werner’s memorial near the trail when we would go by 16th street and Apache Mall. My dad is also a police officer which makes the memorial that much more impactful to me. I can’t imagine the pain his family suffered, his sacrifice is not forgotten. Thank you for your service deputy.

Anonymous Rochester Citizen

May 5, 2021