An officer and a civilian were killed while another officer and three others were wounded in a shooting incident in the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona early Saturday morning, police said.
Officers were responding to an incident involving a large crowd at a home in Santan, District 4 in the community around 2 a.m. local time, when multiple gunshots were fired, according to the Gila River Police Department.
Six people were shot in total during the incident, including Officer Joshua Briese, who succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, the police said. Briese had been with the force for less than a year and was still in field training, according to the police.
Gila River Police Officer Joshua Briese
Gila River Police Department
An unidentified person who was shot was also pronounced dead at the scene, police said. An unidentified officer was struck and remains in serious but stable condition at the hospital, according to the police.
The remaining three civilians who were shot were also recuperating at the hospital, the police said.
No suspects have been named and there were no arrests as of Saturday evening, according to investigators.
A shooting broke out early Saturday morning in the Gila River Indian Community.
KNXV Air15
The investigation into the shooting, which now includes assistance from the FBI, remains ongoing.
Braise’s father was also an officer who died in the line of duty in a car crash in 2006, according to ABC affiliate KNXV.
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Gale River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis offered his condolences to the victims.
“I know I speak for our entire Community when I say that we grieve for our fallen and injured police officers and every Community member touched by such tragic violence. Nothing cuts deeper 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 impacted by what happened this morning,” he said in a statement.
On a quiet Arizona reservation, tragedy struck as police reported two fatalities and four injuries in a shooting incident. The incident occurred in a remote area of the reservation, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community.
Details surrounding the shooting are still emerging, but authorities have confirmed that two individuals lost their lives in the violent altercation. Additionally, four others sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. The extent of their injuries is currently unknown.
The shooting has left residents of the reservation reeling, as such acts of violence are rare in this close-knit community. Many are left wondering what could have led to such a tragic event and are struggling to come to terms with the loss of their neighbors and friends.
Law enforcement officials are working diligently to piece together what happened and identify any suspects involved in the shooting. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in bringing those responsible to justice.
In the wake of this senseless violence, the community is coming together to support one another and mourn the loss of those who were taken too soon. Vigils are being held to honor the memory of the victims, and local leaders are working to provide support and resources for those affected by the tragedy.
As more information becomes available, the community is left grappling with the harsh reality of gun violence and the impact it can have on even the most peaceful of places. The shooting on the Arizona reservation serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued efforts to address and prevent such senseless acts of violence in our society.
