Deputy Sheriff John Warren Liebenstein, Rice County Sheriff's Department, Minnesota

Deputy Sheriff John Warren Liebenstein

Rice County Sheriff's Department, Minnesota

End of Watch Friday, May 3, 1996

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John Warren Liebenstein

Deputy Sheriff John Liebenstein was killed by a vehicle that rammed his patrol car at 90 mph during a pursuit.

Deputy Liebenstein was blocking an interstate ramp so the car, driven by a 17-year-old, could not exit the interstate.

The juvenile was taken into custody after being treated at a local hospital. He was convicted of first-degree murder and was given a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. in 2018, he was granted the ability for parole.

Deputy Liebenstein had served with the Rice County Sheriff's Department for nine years. He was survived by his wife and three children.

25 miles of I-35 have been dedicated as the Deputy Sheriff John W. Liebenstein Memorial Highway.

Bio

Age 40
Tour 9 years
Badge 115

Incident Details

Cause Vehicle pursuit
Weapon Automobile
Offender Apprehended

juvenile offender, roadblock, vehicle pursuit

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Most Recent Reflection

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Dear Liebenstein family;
I want to pass along our admiration of John and his sacrifice on behalf of many distant cousins. While seeming to be of different generations I have researched enough to realize he almost surely had Phillip Liebenstein who arrived in Wisconsin in the 1840s as a common ancestor. Blessings to you all and may Jordan enjoy much success as a county supervisor.

Brian Liebenstein
Great--great grandson of Philip Liebenstein

May 11, 2024