MN BCA ID’s suspect in shootout

The Minnesota BCA has released the name of the man involved in a shootout with law enforcement this past weekend that left the suspect dead and an officer with fatal injuries. The medical examiner determined that 34-year old Bryan Nygard of Cyrus (MN) died from multiple gunshot wounds.

The BCA has identified the Pope County Deputies and the Starbuck Police Officer who discharged their weapons during the domestic assault call. Deputy Josh Owen died after being shot three times during the exchange of gunfire. He fired his department handgun during the incident. Deputy Owen had 14 years of law enforcement experience.

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.

Officer Alex Olson was struck once in the ankle by a handgun round. He did not fire his weapon.

BCA crime scene personnel recovered a pistol, bullets and cartridge casings at the scene.