Watch CBS News

South Dakota sheriff remembers fallen Wis. Deputy Kaitie Leising: "She was an outstanding human being"

Western Wisconsin mourning another fallen officer
Western Wisconsin mourning another fallen officer 02:15

PENNINGTON COUNTY, S.D. -- Fallen St. Croix County Deputy Kaitie Leising is being remembered by another sheriff's office she once served.

Before joining St. Croix County, Leising worked for the Pennington County Sheriff's Office in South Dakota for about two years. 

"Kaitlin was an outstanding law enforcement officer, positively impacting many in our county," Pennington County Sheriff Brian Mueller said. "Most importantly, she was an outstanding human being."

The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the death of our sister in law enforcement. Deputy Kaitlin Leising...

Posted by Pennington County Sheriff's Office on Sunday, May 7, 2023

Leising was responding to a drunken driving call Saturday night when the suspect, 34-year-old Jeremiah Johnson, shot her, according to the Wisconsin Department of Justice. She was hospitalized and later died.

Johnson fled into the woods and fatally shot himself, the DOJ said.

Law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin and Minnesota have paid tribute to Leising, and a memorial for her has been created outside of the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office.

READ MORE: Local law enforcement agencies offer condolences for Deputy Kaitie Leising, killed in line of duty

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.