Shortly before 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, a Starbuck officer and two Pope County Deputy Sheriffs were struck by gunfire while responding to a domestic call in Cyrus, MN. According to the Pope County Sheriff’s Office, “The Starbuck officer was injured but was not hospitalized. One Pope County Sheriff’s Deputy was treated for injuries and released. The other Deputy arrived at the medical facility in critical condition and later passed away from his injuries.”

Senator Torrey Westrom (R-Alexandria) released the following statement:

“I am grieved by last night’s incident in Cyrus. We lift up in prayer the families, friends, and colleagues of Deputy Josh Owen who tragically lost his life and the other two law enforcement officers who were injured. Owen’s legacy of service to our community will always be honored and remembered. Our law enforcement officers risk their lives for our protection every day and we must never forget the dangers they face in their job.”