Montana Law Enforcement Museum

212 E. Broadway
Philipsburg, MT 59858
(406) 859-6536

Policeman Oscar Theodore Peterson

Poplar Police Department

Department Patch

Officer Peterson was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for driving on a revoked license. Officer Peterson, with another Poplar officer and a Sioux tribal police officer, observed the man driving the vehicle and attempted to stop him.
The driver led the officers on a pursuit until the officers shot out one of his tires, causing the vehicle to overturn. The suspect exited the vehicle and opened fire on the officers with a .30-.30 rifle, killing Officer Peterson. The man then committed suicide.

End of Watch:
November 18, 1950