The officer has been identified as Detective Ryan So by Scottsdale police.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A Scottsdale police officer has died following a weapon discharge Thursday evening, the department announced Sunday.
A rifle fell out of a bag being unloaded from a police vehicle, hitting the ground and then discharging a bullet that hit the officer.
In a brief news conference just after 10:30 p.m. Thursday night, the Scottsdale Police Department identified the officer as Detective Ryan So.
So's passing is only the second death in the line of duty in the department's history after the death of Sergeant Thomas Hontz in 2002.
The Scottsdale Police Department said the preliminary investigation conducted by the Mesa Police Department revealed the following:
After serving a search warrant and completing an arrest operation, detectives from Scottsdale police's Special Assignment Unity were unloading equipment from a vehicle. So moved a bag from a the vehicle and a rifle in that bag fell out, hit the ground, went off and hit So.
Fellow detectives immediately rendered aid, but So later died at the hospital, police said.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Policía de Scottsdale y veterano de la Marina muere en el cumplimiento del deber
“Detective Ryan So served with the Scottsdale Police Department for more than nine years, he also actively served in the U.S. Navy. He is survived by his wife and three children,” police said.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell shared the following statement:
"I am devastated to learn of Detective So's passing tonight. His was a life of public service: first in the Navy, then as a police officer. My condolences go out to his wife and children and other family and friends, but also to his extended family at the Scottsdale Police Department."
The Scottsdale Police Foundation released a statement announcing that a new scholarship fund will be created in So's honor. The statement reads:
The Scottsdale Police Foundation extends its deepest condolences on the tragic loss of Detective Ryan So. Detective So served our community with unwavering dedication and courage, and his absence will be profoundly felt by all who knew him.In his honor, we are establishing a scholarship fund to continue his legacy of service and commitment to justice. Additionally, we are raising funds to support his fellow officers as they navigate through this difficult time of grief and loss.
We are immensely grateful for the outpouring of support from the community during this challenging period. Your generosity and kindness are invaluable as we honor Detective So's memory and assist those he left behind. The Scottsdale Police Foundation remains committed to providing vital equipment and funding to critical programs that enable the Scottsdale Police Department to protect our communities and save lives. If you wish to contribute, please visit https://scottsdalepolicefoundation.org/ to make a donation. Together, we can ensure Detective So's legacy endures and continues to inspire.
Our hearts go out to @ScottsdalePD Officer Ryan So, his family, and the entire Scottsdale Police Department. Your memory and legacy as a Navy veteran and police officer will not be forgotten. #Scottsdale #LODD #NeverForget
— Arizona Trooper’s FOP Lodge 32 (@AZ_FOP_32) June 14, 2024
🥲 The men & women of @PeoriaPoliceAZ extend our deepest condolences to the @ScottsdalePD & the entire #scottsdaleaz community following the line of duty death of Detective Ryan So. #ScottsdalePolice #PeoriaPDAZ #PeoriaPoliceAZ #NeverForget #GoneTooSoon. pic.twitter.com/wMkQvz07T3
— Peoria Police (AZ) (@PeoriaPoliceAZ) June 14, 2024
This is a developing story; additional details will be added as they become available.
🚨#CriticalIncident🚨 There has been a critical incident and we will give updates when we can. Please be patient at this time. There is no threat to the surrounding community.
— ScottsdalePD (@ScottsdalePD) June 14, 2024
Media staging will be updated shortly as well.
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