UPDATE: Arrest in officer-involved shooting in Pottawatomie County

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Arrest in officer-involved shooting in Pottawatomie County

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has arrested a Manhattan man connected to his role in an officer-involved shooting that occurred Jan. 3, in Manhattan, Kansas.

On Wednesday, Feb. 25, at around 4 p.m., KBI agents and officers from the KU Medical Center Department of Public Safety arrested Brian J. Lovgren, 38, on a warrant for two counts of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer. Lovgren was booked into the Wyandotte County Detention Center after being released from KU Medical Center, where he was being treated for his injuries. 

The investigation is ongoing. All suspects are presumed innocent unless, or until, proven guilty in a court of law.

The Pottawatomie County Attorney is expected to prosecute the case. 

Brian Lovgren - Booking photo

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EARLIER RELEASE
January 3, 2026

Officer-involved shooting in Pottawatomie County

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday afternoon in Manhattan, Kansas.

On Jan. 3, at approximately 3:50 p.m., the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office requested KBI assistance. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to investigate.

Preliminary information indicates that shortly after 3 p.m., two deputies from the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call from a homeowner who indicated their shed and garage had been damaged by gunfire. While taking the report, deputies heard gunshots in the area. As they approached 8655 Josie Lane, they heard additional gunshots which they believed were coming from the residence. They identified themselves as law enforcement and began giving various commands to the shooter.

A man, later identified as Brian J. Lovgren, 38, of Manhattan, came out of a door of the house armed with a handgun. One of the responding deputies fired multiple times, striking Lovgren. Life-saving measures were provided at the scene. EMS then transported Lovgren to a Kansas City hospital. 

Lovgren underwent surgery and is currently in critical condition. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident. 

This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature, and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.

When this investigation concludes, case findings will be presented to the Pottawatomie County Attorney for determination of charges. The investigation is ongoing.

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