Public Memorial Service Set For MN Deputy Josh Owen

POPE COUNTY, MN — Visitations and a public memorial service honoring the life of Pope County Deputy Josh Owen, who was killed in the line of duty on Saturday, have been scheduled for this weekend.

Both events will take place at the Minnewaska School Gymnasium, located at 25122 State Highway 28 in Glenwood.

Visitations are set for Friday, April 21 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the service begins at 10:30 a.m.

On Tuesday, Gov. Tim Walz ordered all Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Saturday in honor and remembrance of Owen.

"Deputy Owen was a dedicated law enforcement officer and a veteran of the Minnesota National Guard who was respected by his family, friends, and colleagues,” reads the governor's proclamation.

"With its deepest gratitude, the State of Minnesota recognizes Deputy Josh Owen for his dedicated service to, and sacrifice for, his fellow Minnesotans, and our prayers are with his family, friends, and community."

Just before 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, officers from the Glenwood and Starbuck Police Departments and the Pope County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to a residential address in Cyrus on a domestic call.

During the arrest, a man at the home exchanged gunfire with the officers. One Starbuck officer and two county deputies were struck by gunfire.

The Starbuck officer was injured but was not hospitalized, and one of the deputies was hospitalized but later released.

Owen arrived at Glacial Ridge Hospital in critical condition and later died from his injuries.

Owen had served the Pope County Sheriff’s Office for nearly twelve years. He is survived by his wife and son.

"He loved his family, his brotherhood, and his community," the sheriff's office said in a statement.

"Our sympathies and love are with Deputy Josh Owen's family, and the families of the other Deputies and Officers involved."

The sheriff's office has set up several ways to donate to Owen's family.