•Bryan Nygard was the suspect who died at the scene; other officers at the scene were Deputy Brody Merrill and Starbuck Police officer Alex Olson.

By Tim Douglass

tdouglass@pctribune.com

The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office last Wednesday identified the man who died during a use-of-force incident April 15 in Cyrus that also left one Pope County Deputy fatally shot and two other officers wounded. 

The medical examiner determined that Bryan Nygard, 34, of Cyrus died from multiple gunshot wounds, according to a news release from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).  

The BCA also identified the Pope County Deputies and the Starbuck Police Officer who discharged their weapons at the scene.  Deputy Josh Owen died after being shot three times during the exchange of gunfire. He fired his department handgun during the incident, the BCA news release stated.  Deputy Owen had 14 years of law enforcement experience.

Pope County Deputy Brody Merrill fired his department handgun. He has four years of law enforcement experience and is on standard administrative leave. Deputy Merrill was struck once in the upper chest in the vest by a handgun round, the BCA reported.

Starbuck Police Officer Alex Olson was struck once in the ankle by a handgun round. He did not fire his weapon, it was stated in the news release. 

Based on the initial BCA investigation, just after 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, Officer Olson responded to a domestic violence call at an apartment in Cyrus. Deputies Owen and Merrill responded after him. When they arrived, they entered the home and spoke to Nygard and a woman. After some initial investigation, they informed Nygard that he was under arrest. Nygard, who had been seated at a table, stood up, drew a firearm and began firing. Deputies Owen and Merrill returned fire. Officer Olson was in the hallway and did not fire. In the exchange of gunfire, all three officers and Nygard were struck. Nygard died at the scene. Deputy Owen was taken to the hospital where he later died. Deputy Merrill also went to the hospital where he was treated and released. Officer Olson sustained minor injuries and was not hospitalized. The woman living with Nygard had left the apartment before the shooting occurred and was not injured. 

BCA crime scene personnel recovered a pistol, bullets and cartridge casings at the scene. All three officers were wearing their body cameras. BCA agents are reviewing the video as part of the ongoing investigation. It will be redacted and released to the public once the case is closed and fully adjudicated, according to the BCA,

The Pope County Sheriff’s Office requested that the BCA investigate the incident. Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will present its findings without a charging recommendation to the Morrison County Attorney’s Office for review.  

Area officers come in 

to patrol Pope County

Law enforcement officers and dispatch from counties and cities all over the region were patrolling Pope County during the week following the fatal shooting of Pope County Deputy Josh Owen.  

Most of the area officers who were taking local shifts and patrols were doing so through mutual aid agreements, according to Glenwood Police Chief Dale Danter.  

Law enforcement officers in Starbuck, Glenwood, Pope County Sheriff’s Office and county dispatch staff were all relieved of duty during the week, it was stated. Local officers shifts will resume today (Monday), Danter said.  

Pope County Administrator Kersten Kappmeyer said inter-agency relief provided by area law enforcement officers has been  “very appreciated.” 

“The neighboring law enforcement agencies have stepped up in a huge way to aid our deputies and staff and for that we are forever grateful,” said Gordy Wagner, Chair of the Pope County Board of Commissioners.  “We hope we never have to return the favor, but we will be glad to, if need be.”

Board chair makes statement

at Pope County meeting Tuesday

Before starting the Pope County Board meeting on Tuesday morning Wagner asked all in attendance to rise and “observe a moment of silence for our fallen deputy Josh Owen.”

After the moment of silence, Wagner said: “Saturday we lost one of our finest deputies when Josh was senselessly killed.  He was an exemplary officer–kind, quiet, unassuming, friendly, and strong when strength was needed.” Wagner said, “We also offer our condolences and continued support to Sheriff Tim Riley, Josh’s fellow deputies and all the dispatchers and staff of law enforcement.  Our whole Pope County community is suffering and we want you to know we are grieving alongside of all of you.”

How can public donate to family

Signs supporting Josh Owen and supporting local police officers have been going up all over Pope County in the days since the deputy was fatally shot in the line of duty.  

Funds to help the family have also been set up at two banks in Glenwood. 

Those looking to make a donation in Deputy Owen’s memory are encouraged to contribute to one of the following funds, where all proceeds will go directly toward his family:

The Josh Owen Memorial Fund at Glenwood State Bank, 5 Minnesota Ave West, Glenwood, MN 56334 (Administered by Peter Nelson 320-634-5111).

The Josh Owen Memorial Fund at Eagle Bank, 2 Franklin Street South, Glenwood, MN 56334 (Administered by Matt Daniels 320-634-4545).