Dakota County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota
End of Watch Tuesday, July 16, 1996
Add to My HeroesLuther Frederick Klug
Deputy Sheriff Luther Klug was killed when a drunk driver ran a stop sign and struck his patrol car on the driver's side at the intersection of Highway 316 and 200th Street, in Hastings. The impact of the crash pushed the patrol car into a nearby ditch.
Deputy Klug was flown to Ramsey County Medical Center where he died shortly after 1:00 am.
The 37-year-old suspect was convicted of vehicular homicide and sentenced to only four years in jail. He fled from his previous home in Oklahoma a year earlier to avoid a drunk driving charge.
Deputy Klug had served with the Dakota County Sheriff's Office for six years and had served in law enforcement for a total of 15 years. He was survived by his wife and son.
Bio
- Age 36
- Tour 15 years
- Badge 1140
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicular assault
- Incident Date Monday, July 15, 1996
- Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
- Offender Sentenced to 4 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 30 ReflectionsIt is coming up on 30 years since you were taken from us. You are still loved and missed.
Love you!
Dan Klug
Little Brother
January 26, 2026
Recent LODD Deaths
Deputy Sheriff Tim Jordan
Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: January 21, 2026
Agent Aníbal Morales Aponte
Puerto Rico Police Department, PR
EOW: January 13, 2026
Zone Sergeant Steven W. Greene
New York State Police, NY
EOW: October 24, 2025
Sergeant Frederick W. Scheidt, Jr.
New York State Police, NY
EOW: August 13, 2025
Trooper Mark A. Ondus
New York State Police, NY
EOW: October 19, 2025
Police Officer Elijah Garretson
Copperas Cove Police Department, TX
EOW: January 11, 2026
Master Police Officer Donald Richard Gotthardt, Jr.
Fairfax County Police Department, VA
EOW: October 16, 2025
Police Officer Terry L. Bennett
Metropolitan Police Department, DC
EOW: January 7, 2026
Police Officer Stephen LaPorta
Uxbridge Police Department, MA
EOW: January 7, 2026



