Gila River police officer dead and another injured after shooting

A Gila River police officer was killed and another was injured after responding to a disturbance at a home early Saturday morning in Santan, District 4, of the Gila River Indian Community, according to the Gila River Police Department.

Joshua Briese, who had worked at the Police Department for less than a year, and another officer responded to a disturbance call involving a large crowd. Several shots were fired and both officers were wounded, according to a Facebook post from the Gila River Police Department.

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 hit by gunfire. One of them died and the other three were treated in area hospitals.

“I know I speak for our entire community when I say we mourn the loss of our fallen and injured police officers and every community member affected by such tragic violence,” said Stephen Roe Lewis, governor of the Indian Community of Gila River. “Nothing is more profound 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 affected by what happened this morning.”

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

However, authorities 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 police vehicles were seen near the closing as FBI investigators processed the scene at a residence about a half-mile south of Moffett Road and SR 87.

Luisa Gomez, a member of the Gila River Tribe, woke up to sirens related to the shooting just blocks from her home.

Gomez said the civilians who were wounded 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. “It’s usually very nice and calm.”

District 4 encompasses approximately 115 square miles and has experienced the greatest industrial growth of any of the seven districts within the Gila River Indian Community.

On Saturday night, 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 on the community’s Facebook page.

Anyone who hosts or attends a dance in the community could face arrest for disorderly conduct and criminal trespassing charges, according to the documents. Anyone who organizes a dance risks losing her place of residence and anyone who plays music at a dance faces a $1,000 fine and risks having their instruments confiscated.

Briese was the son of former Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Deputy David Briese, who also died in the line of duty.

David Briese died in November 2006 in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 90 near King Avenue West in Billings, Montana, while responding to a backup call for a deputy who was dealing with a combative drunk driver, 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 to receive the news 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, rest easy. Knowing that Dave and Josh are together again, they both left this world serving their community and doing what they loved. RIP.”

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