Gila River, Arizona police officer Joshua Briese killed in shooting

Lina PortmanJune 4, 2024

0 3 minutes read

A police officer responding to a disturbance at a home early Saturday and a woman both died in Santan, District 4 of the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona, according to local authorities.

Joshua Briese, who had been with the police department for less than a year, and another officer responded to a call for a disturbance involving a large crowd, according to the Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network. Several shots were fired and both officers were hit, the Gila River Police Department wrote in a Facebook post.

Both officers were taken to hospital. Briese died from his injuries, while the other officer, who was not identified, was in serious but stable condition, police said.

Four other people were hit by gunfire. The dead woman was identified as Alicen Apkaw, 23, said Stephen Roe Lewis, governor of the Gila River Indian Community. He did not provide details about the time of his death. The other three people shot were being treated at area hospitals.

Two suspects were arrested Sunday by the FBI Phoenix Field Office and the Gila River Police Department. Authorities identified them as a man and a teenager, but did not release their names. They said both individuals were receiving medical treatment for injuries they suffered in the shooting.

“I know I speak for our entire community when I say we mourn our fallen and injured police officers and all community members affected by such tragic violence,” Lewis said. “Nothing is more serious than a life cut short. We will pray for our officers and their families, as well as for every community member, loved one and family affected by what happened this morning.”

Here's what you need to know about the incident.

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Who was Joshua Briese?

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 in Billings, Montana, while responding to a call for help for a police officer who was dealing with a combative impaired driver. impaired, according to the sheriff's office.

The Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office released a statement regarding the death of Joshua Briese:

“YCSO is heartbroken and in disbelief after learning 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. communicated. “All we can say is God, go quickly and rest easy. Knowing that Dave and Josh are together again, they both left this world to serve their community and do what they loved. RIP.”

Maricopa County Prosecutor 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.”

Where did the Gila River shooting take place?

Luisa Gomez, a member of the Gila River tribe, woke up to sirens connected to the shooting just a few blocks from her home. Gomez said the civilians injured and killed in the shooting were related to him and that it happened at a teenager's birthday party.

“It’s not that dangerous here…” Gomez said. “Usually it’s very nice and quiet.”

Roberto Jackson, communications director for the Gila River Indian Community, declined to release more details Saturday afternoon, including where the shooting took place.

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. Approximately six law enforcement vehicles were seen near the closure as FBI investigators processed the scene at a residence located about a half-mile south of Moffett Road and SR 87.

Community bans all dancing after filming

Saturday evening, Lewis called a special meeting with the Gila River Indian Community Council. Leaders approved a moratorium on all dancing, effective immediately, according to documents posted on the community's Facebook page.

Anyone organizing or attending a dance in the community could be arrested for disorderly conduct and trespassing, according to the documents. Anyone who organizes a dance party risks losing their host site and anyone who plays music at a party faces a $1,000 fine and risks having their instruments confiscated.

Lina Portman

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