Police officer killed, another hurt after disturbance call leads to shooting in Arizona

PHOENIX (KPHO/Gray News) - A police officer in Arizona has died and another was hospitalized after an early Saturday morning shooting.

According to the Gila River Police Department, it received a 911 call at about 2 a.m. regarding a disturbance at a home in Santan, located in District 4 of the Gila River Indian Community.

Gila River police said officers arrived at the scene and found a large crowd, where multiple gunshots were fired.

Two officers ended up being struck by the gunfire, along with four other people.

The victims were taken to an area hospital, including Gila River Police Officer Joshua Briese.

The department said Joshua Briese died from his injuries, with the second officer remaining in serious but stable condition.

One other injured person was pronounced dead, but their name hasn’t been released.

Joshua Briese was the son of Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Dave Briese, who died in the line of duty on Nov. 3, 2006, in Montana.

The department confirmed the father and son both passed away, stating “All we can say is God Speed and rest easy. Knowing Dave & Josh are together again, both left this world serving their community and doing what they loved.”

Joshua Briese had been with the department for less than a year and was still in field training.

“Our hearts and prayers are with these police officers, their families, and everyone impacted by this tragic incident,” the department shared.

Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis of the Gila River Indian Community released a statement regarding the shooting that read in part:

“I know I speak for our entire community when I say that we grieve for our fallen and injured police officers and every community member touched by such tragic violence.

Nothing cuts deeper than a life cut short. We will pray for our officers and their families, and for every community member, every loved one, and every family impacted by what happened this morning.”

State officials and area police departments also paid tribute to Officer Briese throughout the day on Saturday.

The Gila River Police Department said it’s working with the FBI to conduct an investigation.

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