Procession brings Pope Co. Deputy Joshua Owen's body back home
GLENWOOD, Minn. -- Following a somber procession Monday morning, the body of Pope County Sheriff Deputy Joshua Owen is back in Glenwood, the community where he lived and served.
For more than 100 miles, law enforcement escorted Owen's body from the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office in Ramsey back to Glenwood. Dozens filled the streets of the western Minnesota town to welcome him home, and on every overpass and in every town along the way, people turned out to show their support.
"It's terrible. They're here to protect us and take care of us and we need to respect that and we honor them every day," said one of the onlookers.
"We decided we wanted to pay our respects, so we stopped at the next overpass and got in line here," said Otsego resident Sharon Maidment, who was with his husband, Steve.
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"Being a combat vet myself, with the Minnesota National Guard for five years...that kind of hit home for me," said St. Cloud resident Byron Benson.
Citizens were joined along the procession by emergency responders from across the state.
Paul Holtberg is with the American Legion color guard. He knew Deputy Owen well.
"There's gonna be a lot of talk about this young man. A lot of good talk. A lot of memories," Holtberg said.
"I knew Josh because he helped me through a domestic violence thing many years back, and he's been helping a friend of mine who's currently in it," said Glenwood resident Pam Welsch.
Welsch has lived in Glenwood most of her life. She says she came out Monday to show her family that officers need to know the community cares.
"There's just too much in this world that's not OK, and we need our police," she said. "Every police in this town has touched my life over the 40 years, and we need them."
Jeff Vangrinsven never knew Deputy Owen, and came from Bemidji. He and his son run Heroes Rise Coffee Company. They give away free beverages to communities who have suffered a loss like Glenwood has.
"It's always heart-breaking. You try not to get choked up about it, like now," Vangrinsven said. "But we met the parents today. Totally unexpected. And man, great people, a great brother."
Deputy Brody Merrill, Owen's partner, was also injured in Saturday's shootout. He is reported to be doing OK physically, but according to his family, he's devastated at losing one of his best friends.
State lawmakers also took the time to honor deputy Owen Monday. Sen. Torrey Westrom, who represents Owen's district, spoke about the tributes and outpouring of support happening in Glenwood before asking for that moment of silence.
Owen's parents, wife and son were among those lined up on the sidewalks. On Sunday, WCCO spoke with Owen's mother Kathy Yarns near the memorial for her son.
"I don't think it's really hit me yet," Yarns said. "I know how much he loved the police chief and the guys he worked with. He just held them in such high regard."
Owen was shot Saturday evening responding to a domestic disturbance call in Cyrus, and later died of his injuries at a hospital. A second deputy and a Starbuck police officer were also injured in the shooting. The gunman was killed.
Mueller said a gun was found near the suspect after the shooting, and all officers involved were wearing active body cameras. Deputy Superintendent of Investigations Scott Mueller said footage will be released "at the appropriate time."
Owen was killed on his birthday. He had just turned 44 years old.
The names of the other deputy, officer and suspect have not been released. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is leading the investigation.
Owen's funeral will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Minnewaska High School.
On Monday, it was announced that a fund had been set up for Owen's family. Donations are being accepted through the LELS Benevolent Fund, the Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police, as well as at any Wells Fargo location.
