CYRUS – The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) says the investigation into the fatal-officer shooting in Cyrus is in the early stages. Deputy Superintendent of Investigations Scott Mueller says authorities were dispatched to an apartment building on a domestic assault call Saturday night and a shootout ensued. He said the suspect began shooting first, and law enforcement then returned fire.
As the officers attempted to arrest the suspect, he shot at them, striking all three before they returned fire and fatally shot him. Pope County Deputy Josh Owen was taken to a hospital and died. The other deputy and the Starbuck officer suffered noncritical injuries.
The BCA recovered a handgun that was previously located near the male subject and numerous cartridge casings among other evidence. All officers present were wearing body-worn cameras which captured video during this incident and will be released at the appropriate time.
Pope County Deputy Tim Riley says 44-year-old Josh Owen leaves behind a wife and son. “Deputy Owen had a heart as big as his stature. He leaves behind a wife and a son. He loves his family, his brotherhood, and his community. Deputy Owens served the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for nearly 12 years and also served his country in the United States military.”
Officer-involved shootings are becoming far too common in Minnesota. BCA Deputy Superintendent of Investigations Scott Mueller says already this year seven officers have been shot at in the line of duty. He says this is an alarming trend, “These officers put on a badge every day, committed to going out into the public to protect the citizens of Minnesota. Putting their life on the line for that. They are committed to that. They will not stop doing that. No matter what they face.”
The investigation is ongoing.
