On October 5, 1985, Special Agent Robin L. Ahrens, who was assigned to the Phoenix FBI Office, was fatally wounded while participating with other Agents in the apprehension of fugitive Kenneth Don Barrett. The fugitive was sought for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution for armed robbery. SA Ahrens was fatally shot by other Agents at the arrest scene who mistook her for an armed associate of the fugitive. SA Ahrens was the first female Special Agent to be killed in the line of duty.
SA Ahrens was born in May of 1952 in St. Paul, Minnesota. After receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Utah State University in 1974, and a Media Specialist Degree from James Madison University in Virginia, she entered on duty as a Special Agent in 1984. SA Ahrens completed her training in June of 1985.
