Arizona Detective's Last Moments Revealed After Accidental Gunshot

July 18, 2024

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The Scottsdale Police Department and community are mourning the loss of Det. Ryan So, who died after an accidental rifle discharge, and is only the second officer to be killed in the line of duty in the department's history.

So and several other detectives from the Special Assignment Unit were unloading a vehicle after executing a search warrant and arrest operation on Thursday when the tragedy unfolded, according to a Scottsdale Police Department press release sent to Newsweek.

So was moving a bag containing a rifle when it fell on the ground and accidentally discharged.

Fellow officers treated So at the scene before he was transported to a hospital. He later died from his injuries.

So served with the Scottsdale Police Department for nine years and the United States Navy for four years. He is survived by a wife and three daughters.

"The loss of Detective So is deeply felt throughout the entire community. We will forever honor his sacrifice and remember his legacy as a hero who dedicated his life to serving and protecting others," Scottsdale police said in a statement.

The Mesa Police Department, as part of the East Valley Critical Response Team, is investigating the officer's death.

"As you can imagine, this is an incredibly difficult time," Scottsdale Assistant Police Chief Rich Slavin said at a press conference. "We ask for privacy for Ryan's family and for the police department. Please keep Ryan's family and the men and women of the Scottsdale Police Department in your thoughts and prayers."

Chris Ellis, a friend of So's, told AZFamily he will be missed by the community.

"I don't think I've known someone whose had as big a servant heart as he does," Ellis said. "He's always helping other people."

Other police departments in Arizona have paid tribute to So on social media, including the Phoenix Police Department, Gilbert Police Department and Chandler Police Department. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office also posted a remembrance of So.

"Sheriff Skinner and the entire Maricopa County Sheriff's Office send sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Scottsdale Police Department Detective Ryan So who passed away last night," the sheriff's office said on Facebook.

"We thank and honor him for his dedicated service to the community. May he rest in peace."

The Fraternal Order of Police, Police Officers of Scottsdale Association and 100 Club are accepting donations for So's family.

So is the first officer to be killed in the line of duty since 2002 and the second in the department's history, KPNX reported.

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