Deputy Sheriff Josh Owen
Officer: Pope County Sheriff's Office, Deputy Sheriff Josh Owen
Date: 4/15/2023 Location: Cyrus, MN FACTORS1 (1,2,9,13,15,18,19)
Perpetrator(s) Involved: Bryan Nygard
Criminal Activity History/Involved: Unknown. / Yes, Nygard had just committed domestic assault and was about to be arrested.
Mental Illness: Unknown.
Substance Abuse History/Involved: Unknown. / None stated.
Race/Sex/Age: Unknown/Male/34
What prompted the initial contact with the killer? At around 7:30 p.m. on April 15, 2023, Pope County Deputy Sheriff’s Josh Owen and Brody Merrill, and Starbuck Police Officer Alex Olson responded to a 911 call of a domestic assault at an apartment. Upon arrival the deputies spoke with the female complainant and encountered Bryan Nygard inside sitting at a table. After investigating the situation, the deputies determined Nygard committed domestic assault so they informed him he was under arrest.
Actions taken by subject toward police: Upon hearing he was under arrest, Nygard “stood up, drew a gun and began firing.” Nygard shot Deputy Owen three times - ultimately killing him. Deputy Merrill and PO Olson were shot as well but are expected to make a full recovery.
Reactions by the police: Deputies Owen and Merrill returned fire, killing Nygard in the gunfight.
How murdered? Deputy Owen was fatally shot while attempting to arrest a domestic violence suspect.
What could have been done differently for the officer to still be alive? The deputies could have shot Nygard as soon as he made a furtive movement with his hand upon standing up – however given the continued anti-police atmosphere they were likely reluctant to do so just in case he was not actually armed or was trying to commit suicide by cop.
Would the officer have been justified in using deadly force before being murdered? Yes, the deputies would have been justified using deadly force as soon as Nygard made the furtive movement that enabled him to access a hidden firearm.
Outcome for the cop-killer: Nygard was justifiably shot dead by the officers he shot.
Miscellaneous: There is remarkably very little reporting about Nygard.
