Crime & Safety

Man Found Dead At Dakota County Fairgrounds

ATVs, drones, and about 50 volunteers assisted with the search Tuesday, but Bruce Peterson​, 61, was not located until Wednesday.

FARMINGTON, MN — The Dakota County Sheriff’s Office reports that the body of 61-year-old Bruce Peterson, who was last seen on July 2, has now been located. After Peterson had been reported missing, a search by the sheriff’s office with assistance from the public commenced.

ATVs, drones, and about 50 volunteers assisted with the search Tuesday, but Peterson was not located until Wednesday. Peterson was found deceased in a remote and heavily wooded area near the Dakota County Fairgrounds by a searcher at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, according to authorities.

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Deputies have notified Peterson’s family of the discovery, according to a news release. The sheriff’s office released the following statement Wednesday:

The Sheriff’s Office wishes to thank the members of the public who willingly stepped in to assist with this search, especially because it occurred over a holiday, and asks that you keep the Peterson family in your thoughts and prayers.

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