Scottsdale detective dies after accidental discharge of weapon

SCOTTSDALE, AZ — A Scottsdale police officer is dead after a “critical incident” Thursday evening near 76th Street and Greenway Hayden Loop.

Authorities were called to the scene around 6:30 p.m. for an officer in need of emergency assistance.

Scottsdale Deputy Police Chief Rich Slavin provided an update on the incident:

Scottsdale police officer dead after 'critical incident' near 76th Street and Greenway Hayden Loop

The officer, identified as Detective Ryan So, was taken to hospital where he later died.

Deputy Police Chief Rich Slavin said Detective So had nine years of experience with the Scottsdale Police Department and also served in the Navy.

Authorities said there was no threat to the surrounding community.

On Friday evening, police released more details about what led to Detective So's tragic death.

Mesa police, who are investigating the incident, said So was part of a search and arrest operation Thursday evening and was unloading equipment from a vehicle.

As So was moving a bag from a vehicle, a rifle in the bag fell to the ground and discharged, striking him.

Fellow detectives immediately provided assistance, but Detective So later died in hospital.

The 100 Club of Arizona told ABC15 they have already donated $20,000 to Detective So's family and offered support to the hospital.

“You have a family that no longer has a husband or a best friend to lean on. You have three young daughters who have no one to celebrate as Father's Day approaches. There are going to be the most big hole in their hearts,” said Angela Harrolle, president and CEO of the 100 Club of Arizona.

Click here to contribute to Club 100 efforts.