Officer Thomas Edward Decker, aged 31, was tragically killed on November 29, 2012, in Cold Spring, Minnesota. Officer Decker and his partner were conducting a welfare check on a man whose family believed he was suicidal. The officers initially attempted to make contact with the individual at his apartment but were unsuccessful. They returned to the scene approximately two hours later. As Officer Decker exited his patrol car in an alley behind the apartment, he was ambushed and shot twice with a 20-gauge shotgun. Despite wearing his vest, Officer Decker was fatally wounded.
The primary suspect initially arrested in connection with Officer Decker's murder was Ryan Michael Larson, who was 34 years old at the time. Larson was taken into custody but was later released due to insufficient evidence linking him to the crime. The investigation continued, and about a month later, a second suspect, Daniel Joseph Schlienz, committed suicide as investigators attempted to question him. The shotgun used in the murder was found on property to which Schlienz had access.
Officer Decker had served with the Cold Spring Police Department for six years and had previously served with the Isle Police Department and the Kimball Police Department for an additional four years. He is survived by his wife and four children.
