Memorial service announced for fallen Pope County deputy Josh Owen

Deputy Josh Owen and his canine, Karma. (Photo: Pope County Sheriff’s Office)

GLENWOOD, MN (KDLM) -The Pope County Sheriff’s Office has announced that a public memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 22 at 10:30 a.m. in the Minnewaska School Gymnasium in Glenwood for fallen Pop County Deputy Josh Owen.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, April 21 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and from 9:30 a.m. until the service begins.

The deputy, a military veteran, was killed on his 44th birthday. He is survived by his wife Shannon and their 10-year-old son.

The incident happened on Saturday when Owen, another Pope County Sheriff’s deputy, and a Starbuck police officer were dispatched to a domestic assault call at an apartment in Cyrus around 7:30 p.m on Saturday, April 15th.

The officers went inside the home and told the suspect he was under arrest. The man then drew a gun and started to shoot at the officers, who returned fire. The suspect was killed in the exchange of gunfire.

Owen was taken to Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood, where he later died. The other two officers were shot but will recover from their injuries.

The sheriff’s office has provided multiple donation options that will go directly to Owen’s family:

• Josh Owen Memorial Fund at Glenwood State Bank: Contact Peter Nelson at 320-634-5111.
• Josh Owen Memorial Fund at Eagle Bank: Contact Matt Daniels at 320-634-4545.
• Law Enforcement Labor Services Benevolent Fund: Donations can be made by check through the mail at Law Enforcement Labor Services Benevolent Fund, Attention: Josh Owen Memorial, 2700 Freeway Boulevard, Suite 700, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430. Can also donate online.