SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A Scottsdale police officer has died following a weapon discharge Thursday evening, the department announced Sunday.
A rifle fell out of a bag being unloaded from a police vehicle, hitting the ground and then discharging a bullet that hit the officer.
In a brief news conference just after 10:30 p.m. Thursday night, the Scottsdale Police Department identified the officer as Detective Ryan So.
So's passing is only the second death in the line of duty in the department's history after the death of Sergeant Thomas Hontz in 2002.
The Scottsdale Police Department said the preliminary investigation conducted by the Mesa Police Department revealed the following:
After serving a search warrant and completing an arrest operation, detectives from Scottsdale police's Special Assignment Unity were unloading equipment from a vehicle. So moved a bag from a the vehicle and a rifle in that bag fell out, hit the ground, went off and hit So.
Fellow detectives immediately rendered aid, but So later died at the hospital, police said.
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“Detective Ryan So served with the Scottsdale Police Department for more than nine years, he also actively served in the U.S. Navy. He is survived by his wife and three children,” police said.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell shared the following statement:
"I am devastated to learn of Detective So's passing tonight. His was a life of public service: first in the Navy, then as a police officer. My condolences go out to his wife and children and other family and friends, but also to his extended family at the Scottsdale Police Department."
The Scottsdale Police Foundation released a statement announcing that a new scholarship fund will be created in So's honor. The statement reads:
The Scottsdale Police Foundation extends its deepest condolences on the tragic loss of Detective Ryan So. Detective So served our community with unwavering dedication and courage, and his absence will be profoundly felt by all who knew him. In his honor, we are establishing a scholarship fund to continue his legacy of service and commitment to justice. Additionally, we are raising funds to support his fellow officers as they navigate through this difficult time of grief and loss.
We are immensely grateful for the outpouring of support from the community during this challenging period. Your generosity and kindness are invaluable as we honor Detective So's memory and assist those he left behind. The Scottsdale Police Foundation remains committed to providing vital equipment and funding to critical programs that enable the Scottsdale Police Department to protect our communities and save lives. If you wish to contribute, please visit https://scottsdalepolicefoundation.org/ to make a donation. Together, we can ensure Detective So's legacy endures and continues to inspire.
This is a developing story; additional details will be added as they become available.
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