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Incident
Patrolman Lee Fahler was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a suspicious person. The man attempted to bribe Patrolman Fahler as he was being questioned. At that point Patrolman Fahler put the man under arrest and the two started to walk towards the suspect's car. The suspect produced a handgun and opened fire on the officer. The suspect was shot and killed in return gunfire. During the ensuing investigation over 20 cases of whiskey were found inside the vehicle the man had been driving. He was in the process of smuggling the whiskey from Canada to Chishoim, Minnesota. The man was placed under arrest and charged in connection with Patrolman Fahler's murder and smuggling. Patrolman Fahler had served with the Minot Police Department for only 2 months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and 8-year-old son.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Fahler served with the Minot Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Minot community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Fahler.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Minot Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Lee is one of 39 officers killed feloniously in ND, 63.9% of the 61 remembered there.
Lee is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Lee is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1921, 2 officers in ND were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1921, 248 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1921, 516 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
Who
Lee was 28. Of the 37 killed feloniously in ND whose age is recorded, half were between 36 and 55; the middle age was 50. Lee had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 3 years.
Lee was 28. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Lee had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Lee was 28. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Lee had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 7.7% of these deaths in ND; July holds the most, 17.9%. Fridays: 17.9%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Minot Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 61 deaths in ND, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Minot Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Lee among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 38-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Minot Police Department are honored on badge.nw.