On the evening of April 15, 2023, Pope County deputy Josh Owen, 44, was among officers who responded to a reported domestic violence incident at an apartment building in Cyrus, Minnesota. The first officer on scene was from Starbuck; investigators say the situation narrowed to one man inside who was told he was under arrest. The suspect was identified as 34-year-old Bryan Nygard of Cyrus.

According to investigators, Nygard produced a firearm and opened fire as officers attempted the arrest. Deputy Owen was struck multiple times and taken to a hospital in critical condition; he died later that night. Another Pope County deputy and the Starbuck officer were also wounded but survived. Officers returned fire and Nygard died at the scene from gunshot wounds.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension led the investigation. Prosecutors later reviewed the record and concluded the deputies’ actions were justified. Colleagues and community members remembered Owen as a deputy who went into a domestic call to protect others and was killed in the sudden exchange of gunfire. If anyone has information about the incident or knew Deputy Owen, please share what you can.