One police officer died and five others, including another, were injured in Santan shooting

SANTAN, AZ — One Gila River police officer is dead and another is injured, along with four other people, after a shooting broke out early Saturday morning in the Gila River Indian Community.

Gila River Police say around 2 a.m. they were called to a home in the Santan area for a reported disturbance.

As officers worked to resolve the issue, which involved a large crowd, someone fired several shots.

In total, two Gila River officers were injured along with four other people at the scene.

All six people were transported to local hospitals with various injuries.

One of the officers, identified by authorities as Joshua Briese, later died from his injuries.

The department says Officer Briese had been on the force for less than a year and was still undergoing field training.

The second injured police officer is said to be in serious but stable condition.

Police say at least one of the four other people shot also died. Specific conditions regarding the other injured were not immediately available.

It is unclear whether the individual(s) who fired the shots are still at large.

No suspicious information has been released.

Gila River police and the FBI are investigating the shooting.

Authorities are asking the public to contact the Gila River Police Department if anyone has any information regarding the shooting. The department can be reached at 520-562-7144.

Briese's father was also a police officer. His father also died in the line of duty while responding to a car accident in 2006, records show.

Sebastian Pena, who knew Briese, says Briese was inspired by his father to join law enforcement.

“If he was sure of anything, it was that he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps,” Pena said. “As a good cop, that was the number one priority he always prioritized.”

Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis released this statement Saturday morning:

“Early this morning, I learned that there had been a serious shooting in the community with multiple gunshot victims, including two Gila River police officers and up to four community members at the scene. The incident is under investigation by the FBI and GRPD. I have been told that one of our officers – Officer Joshua Briese – died in the line of duty as a result. his injuries Our second officer remains in serious but stable condition after the operation.

At least one community member has also died. All injured are being treated in local hospitals.

We are working in close coordination with law enforcement to ensure we have a comprehensive understanding of what happened here.

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. Nothing is more profound 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.

While we await further facts, we will focus on finding a path to healing after this tragic incident.

Various police departments around the state have released statements regarding Briese's death.

Holbrook Police Department

“We extend our condolences to the Gila River Police Department and our prayers to the community and families of the victims.”

Marana Police Department

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Briese's family and the Gila River Police Department. Rest easy, officer, we'll handle this.”

Flagstaff Police Department

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Officer Joshua Briese of the Gila River Police Department. He lost his life in the line of duty. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones and to his fellow officers. May he rest in peace.”

Surprise Police Service

“The Surprise Police Department extends our deepest condolences to the Gila River Police Department and those who knew and loved Officer Joshua Briese. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginably difficult time.”

Scottsdale Police Department

“We are deeply saddened by the death of Officer Joshua Briese of the Gila River Police Department, who lost his life in the line of duty.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones and fellow officers during this difficult time. »

Rachel Mitchell, Maricopa County District Attorney

“My heart is heavy as I learn of the death of Officer Joshua Briese. Words fail to adequately express the outrage we all feel at the news of this senseless tragedy. My prayers go out to the family and friends of officer, to his extended family at the Gila River Police Department and Gila River Indian Community.

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.”

Phoenix Police Department

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Officer Joshua Briese of the Gila River Police Department, who lost his life in the line of duty. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones and to the department during this difficult time.

Navajo Police Department

“The Navajo Police Department would like to express our deepest condolences to the Gila River Police Department and the family of Officer Joshua Briese, who lost his life while on duty this morning. We stand in solidarity with the department and our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Briese, my family and loved ones during this time.”

Arizona Department of Public Safety

“Our thoughts and prayers are with our colleagues at the Gila River Police Department following the death of Officer Joshua Briese in the line of duty this morning. Officer Briese was fatally injured while responding to a disturbance at a home in Santan, Gila River Indian Community. AZDPS extends our deepest condolences to Officer Briese's family, colleagues and friends during this incredibly difficult time. full recovery to the second GRPD officer injured in this tragic incident.

Goodyear Police Department

“The Goodyear Police Department is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Officer Joshua Briese of the Gila River Police Department. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. “

FBI Phoenix

“FBI Phoenix mourns the loss of Officer Joshua Briese, who lost his life in the line of duty. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.”

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office

“Sheriff Skinner and the entire Maricopa County Sheriff's Office team mourn with the Gila River Police Department the loss of Officer Joshua Brieses; our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the entire agency .

We also pray for the full recovery of the other Gila River officer injured in the incident. »

Northern Arizona University Police Department

“Our hearts and thoughts are with you, Gila River Police Department.”

Chandler Police Department

“With heavy hearts, we join the Gila River Police Department in mourning the loss of Officer Joshua Briese, a dedicated brother in service. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and all those who knew him.”

Ajo Fire Department

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gila River Police Department, Officer Briese's family and friends, and the Gila River Indian Community. Rest in heaven, sir.”

Page Police Department

“The Page Police Department sends prayers to the Gila River Police Department after one of its officers was shot and killed and another officer was shot and injured while investigating a domestic dispute. We ask everyone to keep the officers, their families and the Gila River Police Department in your thoughts and prayers.

Gilbert Police Department

“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of Gila River Police Department Officer Joshua Briese, who lost his life in the line of duty during an overnight shooting that injured a second officer.

We stand with our brothers and sisters at Gila River PD during this difficult time. Officer Briese will never be forgotten.”

Coolidge Police Department

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Joshua Briese, who lost his life in the line of duty today. Our prayers also go out to the second officer injured in this incident.

We mourn this tragic loss with our brothers and sisters in the Gila River Police Department.

Rest in peace sir.”

Apache Junction Police Department

“Our hearts weigh heavy as we join the Gila River Police Department in paying tribute to Officer Joshua Briese, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. Our deepest condolences go out to his colleagues and to his loved ones, Officer Briese, we express our gratitude for your service.

This is a developing story. We are working to get the latest information. Stay with abc15.com for updates.