Pope County Deputy Shot and Killed in the Line of Duty Saturday Night

(KNSI) — A central Minnesota community is mourning the loss of a sheriff’s deputy who was shot to death Saturday night while responding to a domestic violence call.

Deputy Josh Owen of the Pope County Sheriff’s Department died on his 44th birthday.

Deputy Superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says Owen, along with another deputy and an officer from the Starbuck Police Department, were sent to an apartment in Cyrus at about 7:30. They went in and told a man there that he was under arrest. That’s when he drew a gun and started firing. Officers returned fire, and the man was also killed. The other two officers were hurt but were treated and released.

A large procession of emergency vehicles escorted Deputy Owen’s body from Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office in Ramsey.

Body cam footage captured what happened. That footage will be released at a later date.

Owen leaves behind a wife and son. He had been with the department for 12 years, was an Army veteran and had a K9 partner named Karma.

During an emotional press conference, Sheriff Tim Riley remembered Owen by saying he “had a heart as big as his stature” and that he “loves his family, his brotherhood and his community.” He thanked “Our community partners, Glacial Ridge Hospital Staff and EMTs, all other public safety first-responders, near and far, that have assisted during this difficult time have our deepest gratitude.”

Condolences are pouring in from all over, including the St. Cloud Police Department, which sent a message via their Twitter account.

Today we send our love, support, and prayers to fallen Pope County Deputy Josh Owen's family, friends, co-workers and community. His service and dedication represent the ultimate sacrifice, all in the name of community safety. We will never forget and will forever be grateful.

— SCPD (@StCloudPDMN) April 16, 2023

Governor Tim Walz also said, “Minnesota grieves for the family and colleagues of Pope County Sheriff’s Deputy Josh Owen, who was shot and killed in the line of duty last night. Deputy Owen was a husband, a father, a veteran, and a hero.

“Just last year, he was honored with a distinguished service award after helping to rescue a neighbor from a burning home. He bravely served his state and nation.”

Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach, who represents the area, said she was “heartbroken” about the loss and said Deputy Owen recently received a distinguished service award for his work, adding, “This is a devastating reminder that our men and women in law enforcement put their communities above all else every single day. I am praying for Josh Owen’s family and for the whole Pope County community as they mourn the loss of a local hero.”

The investigation is ongoing, and the BCA will release more details when possible.

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