Arizona Officer Shot & Killed While Responding to Disturbance 

Please join Sheriff Boudreaux in sending prayers to the Gila River Police Department in Arizona, after one of their own was shot and killed Saturday.

Officers with the Gila River Police Department arrived at a home in the Gila River Indian community around 2:00 a.m. Saturday, after receiving an emergency call. A large crowd was gathered, and as the officers worked to address the disturbance, gunshots were fired, police said. Six people were shot, including two police officers. In addition to the officer who was killed, one resident died from their injuries, and the other three are in the hospital.

The fallen officer has been identified as Officer Joshua Briese. He had been with the Gila River Police Department for less than a year and was still in field training.

The other police officer remains in serious, but stable condition.

Please join Sheriff Boudreaux, and all of us at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, in sending prayers to Officer Briese’s family and friends, as well as all of the other victims.

Source: Tulare County Sheriff’s Office

Gila River Police Department Suffers Loss of Officer Joshua Briese, Killed in the Line of Duty 

June 3, 2024 – Gila River Police Department officials report that at approximately 2 o’clock on the morning of Saturday, June 1, 2024, Gila River Public Safety Dispatch received an emergency call for service regarding a disturbance at a home in Santan, District 4 of the Gila River Indian Community.

Gila River Police Department (GRPD) officers responded. As the responding officers worked to address the disturbance, which involved a large crowd, multiple gunshots were fired. Two GRPD officers were struck by gunfire, as were four individuals at the scene.

The injured officers and individuals were immediately taken to local hospitals. One of our Gila River police officers has died as a result of his injuries. The second injured officer remains in serious but stable condition. At least one other individual has been pronounced deceased. All the injured are being treated at area hospitals.

The deceased Gila River Police Officer has been identified as Officer Joshua Briese. Officer Briese had been with the department for less than a year and was still on Field Training.

Our hearts and prayers are with these police officers, their families, and everyone impacted by this tragic incident.

The Gila River Police Department is working with the Federal Bureau of Investigations to conduct a joint investigation of the incident. More information will be forthcoming as the investigation progresses.

Source & photo: Gila River Police Department

Note: Gila River Police Department is located in Sacaton, Arizona.