The Pope County attorney has ruled that Deputy Brody Merrill's use of force during a deadly shootout with domestic assault suspect Bryan Nygard in April was justified.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension reported that Nygard fired first, leading to return fire from deputies Merrill and Josh Owen.
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Nygard died at the scene, while Deputy Owen passed away later in the hospital from injuries sustained in the exchange. Deputy Merrill, who was briefly hospitalized, will not face charges.
Starbuck police officer Alex Olson was also injured but not hospitalized during the incident.
Pope County Attorney Neil Nelson stated, "I have determined that the use of force by Deputy Brody Merrill was justified and entirely lawful."
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Nelson praised the quick and heroic actions of Deputies Owen and Merrill in neutralizing the threat posed by the suspect.
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Did exactly what he should have. His 2a was forfeit for life at the point and they were there to take it from him.
Of course this was perfectly justifiable. Slam dunk. But what would have happened in one Blue Leftist-wacko state which passed a law which said there was a duty to first retreat. What BS. If we followed what Jesus reportedly said, this officer would have had to turn his cheek and love his enemies. What BS.