SCOTTSDALE, AZ — A Scottsdale police officer is dead after a "critical incident" Thursday night near 76th Street and Greenway Hayden Loop.
Officials were called to the area around 6:30 p.m. for an officer who was in need of emergency assistance.
Scottsdale Assistant Police Chief Rich Slavin provided an update on this incident:
The officer, identified as Detective Ryan So, was transported to the hospital where he later died.
Assistant Police Chief Rich Slavin says Detective So had nine years of experience at the Scottsdale Police Department and also served in the Navy.
Officials said there was no threat to the surrounding community.
Late Friday, police released more details into what led up to the Detective So's tragic death.
Mesa police, who are investigating the incident, say that So was a part of a search warrant and arrest operation Thursday night and was unloading equipment from a vehicle.
While So was moving a bag from a vehicle, a rifle in the bag fell to the ground and discharged, striking him.
Fellow detectives immediately rendered aid, but Detective So died later at the hospital.
The 100 Club of Arizona tells ABC15 they have already donated $20,000 to Detective So's family and offered support at the hospital.
"You've got a family left behind that no longer has a husband or best friend to lean on. You have three young girls that don’t have someone to celebrate coming up on Fathers Day. There is going to be the biggest hole in their hearts," said 100 Club of Arizona President and CEO Angela Harrolle.
Click here to help contribute to the 100 Club's efforts.
The procession to honor Detective Ryan So will take place Thursday, 6/20 at around 10:15 a.m.
— ScottsdalePD (@ScottsdalePD) June 19, 2024
· Hard closures will be held along the route (7.2 miles) until the end of the procession.
Route:
· Westbound Pinnacle Peak
· Southbound Scottsdale Road
· Westbound Bell Road pic.twitter.com/GSjFMwE8HE
