Procession for fallen officer : “Gila River, AZ Police Officer Joshua Briese Killed in Shooting”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Gila River police officer Joshua Briese shooting
2. Arizona officer killed in Gila River shooting incident

A procession was held for a fallen Gila River officer in Santan, District 4, of the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona. Officer Joshua Briese, who had been with the police department for less than a year, responded to a disturbance call involving a large crowd and was fatally shot. Another officer was also injured in the incident. Four other individuals were struck by gunfire, including a woman identified as Alicen Apkaw. Two suspects are in custody. The community mourns the loss of the officers and those impacted by the tragic violence. The incident has led to a ban on all dances in the community.

Gila River Indian Community Mourns Loss of Police Officer and Woman in Tragic Shooting Incident

A quiet morning in Santan, District 4 of the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy as a police officer and a woman lost their lives in a violent shooting incident. The officer, identified as Joshua Briese, had been with the Gila River Police Department for less than a year when he responded to a disturbance call at a home early Saturday morning. Alongside another officer, Briese encountered a large crowd and multiple gunshots were fired, resulting in both officers being struck.

Despite being rushed to the hospital, Briese succumbed to his injuries, while the other officer remains in serious but stable condition. The woman who tragically lost her life in the incident was identified as 23-year-old Alicen Apkaw. Four other individuals were also injured in the shooting, with three of them receiving treatment at local hospitals.

Suspects Apprehended in Connection to Gila River Shooting

Following swift investigative work, two suspects were taken into custody by the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office and the Gila River Police Department. Officials have identified the individuals as a man and a teenage boy, although their names have not been released to the public. Both suspects are currently receiving medical care for the injuries they sustained during the shooting.

Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis expressed deep sorrow over the tragic events, stating, “Nothing cuts deeper than a life cut short. We will pray for our officers and their families, and for every Community member impacted by what happened this morning.”

Remembering Officer Joshua Briese

Joshua Briese, the fallen police officer, was the son of former Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Officer David Briese, who also lost his life in the line of duty. David Briese was killed in an automobile accident in 2006 while responding to a backup call for an officer dealing with a combative impaired driver.

The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office released a heartfelt statement following Joshua Briese’s death, acknowledging the sacrifices made by both father and son in service to their communities.

Community Response and Measures Taken

In the wake of the shooting, the Gila River Indian Community Council implemented a moratorium on all dances, citing the need for a period of reflection and respect for the lives lost. The decision, made at a special meeting called by Governor Lewis, prohibits any dance events within the community and imposes strict penalties for those who violate the moratorium.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, seeking justice for the victims and their families. The outpouring of support and solidarity from residents and law enforcement agencies underscores the resilience and unity of the Gila River Indian Community in the face of adversity.