Gila River Police Department officer shot and killed as part of violent disturbance
Jun 1, 2024, 10:40 AM | Updated: Jun 5, 2024, 7:40 am
Joshua Briese. (Photo provided by the Gila River Police Department.)
(Photo provided by the Gila River Police Department.)
PHOENIX — A Gila River Police Department officer was shot and killed early Saturday as police responded to a violent disturbance in which five others, including another officer, also were shot.
According to the GRPD, police received an emergency call regarding a disturbance at a home in Santan, District 4 of the Gila River Indian Community at approximately 2 a.m.
As officers responded to the disturbance, which involved a large crowd, multiple gunshots were fired.
Two officers and four others where shot. All six victims were taken to local hospitals.
One of the police officers, whom the GRPD identified as Joshua Briese, died at the hospital. Briese had been with the department for less than a year and was still completing field training.
The second injured police officer, whom the GRPD did not immediately identify, is in serious but stable condition.
One of the other people who was shot also died. She was identified later as Alicen Apkaw.
Police announced Sunday that two male suspects have been identified and taken into custody. One is an adult and the other is a juvenile.
Both suspects are receiving medical care for injuries they received during the shooting, according to authorities.
The FBI and GRPD are continuing to gather evidence, conduct interviews and share information.
Once the FBI’s case is complete, it will be handed over to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona for a charging decision.
