A Gila River police officer was dead and another injured after responding to a disturbance at a home early Saturday in Santan, District 4, of the Gila River Indian Community, according to the Gila River Police Department.
Joshua Briese, who had been with the Police Department for less than a year, and another officer responded to a disturbance call involving a large crowd. Multiple gunshots were fired and both officers were struck, according to a Gila River Police Department Facebook post.
Both officers were taken to the hospital. Briese died from his injuries, while the other officer, who has not been identified, was in serious but stable condition, according to police.
Four other people were struck by gunfire. One of them died, and the three others were being treated at area hospitals.
“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,” said Stephen Roe Lewis, governor of the Gila River Indian Community. “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.”
Roberto Jackson, the communications director for Gila River Indian Community, declined to release further details on Saturday afternoon, including where the shooting occurred.
Authorities, however, closed both lanes of Moffett Road south of State Route 87 on Saturday. There was a heavy police presence nearby, including a mobile command center.
About six law enforcement vehicles were seen near the closure as FBI investigators processed the scene at a residence about half a mile south of Moffett Road and SR 87.
Luisa Gomez, a member of the Gila River Tribe, woke to sirens related to the shooting only blocks away from her home.
Gomez said the civilians who were hurt and killed in the shooting were related to her and that it occurred at a teenager’s birthday party.
“It’s not that dangerous here …” Gomez said. “Usually, it’s very nice and quiet.”
District 4 spans about 115 square miles and has seen the most industrial growth of any of the seven districts within the Gila River Indian Community.
On Saturday evening, Lewis called a special meeting with the Gila River Indian Community Council. Leaders approved a moratorium on all dances, effective immediately, according to documents posted to the community’s Facebook page.
Anyone hosting or attending a dance in the community could face arrest on disorderly misconduct and trespassing charges, according to the documents. Anyone hosting a dance is subject to losing their homesite and anyone playing music at a dance faces a $1,000 fine and risks their instruments being confiscated.
Briese was the son of former Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Officer David Briese, who also died in the line of duty.
David Briese was killed in November 2006 in an automobile accident on Interstate 90, near King Avenue West in Billings, Montana, while responding to a backup call for an officer who was dealing with a combative impaired driver, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office released a statement regarding Joshua Briese’s death:
“YCSO is heart broken and in disbelief upon receiving word this morning of the Line of Duty Death of Gila River Arizona Police Officer Josh Briese, Joshie as many of us called him,” the statement said. “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. RIP.”
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell also released a statement: “The fact that Joshua’s father, David, also gave his life in the line of duty adds to the incalculable debt we owe to their family. I continue to pray for the recovery of the other injured officer.”
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This is a developing story. Check back for more updates.
Elaine Hadley is a dedicated journalist covering the ever-evolving landscape of U.S. news. With a keen interest in politics and a commitment to uncovering the truth, she provides insightful commentary and in-depth analysis on domestic issues. When not reporting, Elaine enjoys exploring the diverse cultures and landscapes of the United States.
