An Arizona police officer was fatally shot and another was injured Saturday morning after responding to a disturbance call in the Gila River Indian community, police officials said in a statement.
Officers from the Gila River Police Department arrived at a home in the community around 2:00 a.m. local time after receiving an emergency call. A large crowd gathered, and as police officers worked to break up the disturbance, shots were fired, police said. Six people were shot in the melee, including the two police officers, and all were taken to area hospitals by emergency services. One of the community members died of his injuries, police said, and the other three are in hospital. No identity has been released.
Gila River Police Force
One of the policemen died in hospital. Police identified the fallen officer as Officer Joshua Briese. He had been with the Gila River Police Department for less than a year and was still in field training, the release said.
FBI Phoenix and the Gila River Police Department will conduct a joint investigation into the shooting.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues,” FBI Phoenix said.
The other policeman remains in a serious but stable condition. The identity of the police officer was not released.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to these police officers, their families and everyone affected by this tragic incident,” Gila River police said.
