Roll of Honor
Richard Erhardt Legler
Incident
Detention Deputy Rich Legler was ambushed in a targeted attack while driving on Highway 10 about a mile west of Clear Lake at 5:15 a.m.
Deputy Legler and another deputy were en route to work in their uniforms when a car passing by fired a rifle at Deputy Legler, striking him in the shoulder. Deputy Legler was initially cognitive enough to slow the car down and, with the help of the deputy in the passenger seat, stopped the vehicle on the side of the road. The deputy attempted to flag passing cars for help while trying to render aid. By the time authorities arrived, Deputy Legler had succumbed to his wounds.
An hour later, a man, age 20, was found in a vehicle matching the description of the suspected car, with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. After an investigation, it was discovered that the suspect had animosity towards law enforcement after being arrested for his 2nd DUI the night before and arrested for assault earlier in the week. The rifle used to kill Deputy Legler was the same rifle the suspect used to commit suicide.
Deputy Legler was a United States Navy Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Anoka County Sheriff's Office for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his mother, father, sister, and brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MN-A22848E5- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Detention Deputy Legler gave the Anoka County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Anoka community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Richard Erhardt Legler served in the the United States military (1969â1972) before joining law enforcement.
Detention Deputy Richard Erhardt Legler is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,759 officers honored here.
In MN, 173 of 293 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 59% of this state's fallen. That is 59 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Anoka County Sheriff's Office, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Richard Erhardt Legler's cause is highlighted.
How Richard Erhardt Legler Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Richard Erhardt Legler is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Richard Erhardt Legler was killed by rifle; .30-.30.
Incident Location
Military Service
Richard Erhardt Legler served in the United States military (1969–1972) before joining law enforcement.
Visit Richard Erhardt Legler’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Anoka County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
