Josh Owen: Minnesota sheriff's deputy shot dead in gunfire exchange while responding to domestic call
CYRUS, MINNESOTA: A Minnesota deputy tragically lost his life while responding to a domestic incident at a home in Cyrus on Saturday, April 15, 2023. The Pope County Sheriff’s Office and members of the Glenwood and Starbuck police departments responded to the call just before 7:30 just on that day. After they arrived, the authorities attempted to detain an individual involved in the incident, which resulted in the exchange of gunfire between a man inside the home and officers.
Two deputies with the Pope County Sheriff’s Office were shot along with an officer from the Starbuck Police Department. The Starbuck officer was not hospitalized and one of the Pope County Sheriff’s deputies was treated for injuries and released. Deputy Josh Owen, the other deputy who was shot, was transported to an area hospital in critical condition and later died from his injuries, police said. "The subject, a man, was also struck and killed during the exchange of gunfire," the Pope County Sheriff's Office said, according to Bringmethenews.
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The sheriff’s office pays tribute to Owen
"Yesterday, April 15, Pope County law enforcement lost a brother," the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post. "Our sympathies and love are with Deputy Josh Owen’s family, and the families of the other deputies and officers involved," they added.
Police said that the investigation is still ongoing and there is no threat to the public. Owen had been a member of the Pope County Sheriff’s Office for about 12 years. He was also recently one of three officers honored by the Pope County Sheriff's Office for lifesaving actions during a house fire in November 2022.
"Devastating news out of Cyrus," Minnesota Governor Tim Walz posted to Twitter. "Our prayers are with the family and community of the Pope County Sheriff’s Deputy who was killed in the line of duty last night. My administration is in touch with local officials and stands ready to support the community," Walz added.
Devastating news out of Cyrus. Our prayers are with the family and community of the Pope County Sheriff’s Deputy who was killed in the line of duty last night.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) April 16, 2023
My administration is in touch with local officials and stands ready to support the community.
It was Owen's 44th birthday
According to a post from Owens' father, Saturday was Owen's 44th birthday. "I’m numb at this moment. Josh came into this world April 15 1979, And on this day was taken from us. Rest easy my son," he wrote.
"Regrettably, tonight saw the shooting of three Minnesota officers from Pope County Sheriff's Office and Starbuck Police Department, Deputy Josh Owen passed away in response to a gunshot wound sustained during their response to a domestic violence incident," West Hennepin Public Safety posted.
