Police Officer Joshua Briese, Gila River Police Department, Tribal Police

Police Officer Joshua Briese

Gila River Police Department, Tribal Police

End of Watch Saturday, June 1, 2024

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Joshua Briese

Police Officer Joshua Briese was shot and killed while responding to a disturbance call at 2:00 a.m. at a home in Santan, District 4 of the Gila River Indian Community.

When Officer Briese and his training partner arrived on the scene, they were met with gunfire. Both officers were transported to a local hospital where Officer Briese succumbed to his wounds. The other officer is in stable but serious condition.

Four other people from the large crowd were struck by gunfire, including one who died.

A man and a juvenile were arrested.

Officer Briese's father, Deputy Sheriff David Leroy Briese, Jr. of Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office, Montana, died in the line of duty on November 3, 2006.

Officer Briese had served with the Gila River Police Department for less than one year and was still completing field training.

Bio

Age 24
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Location Arizona
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender In custody

disturbance, field training

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Most Recent Reflection

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Briese was an amazing human. Unbelievable work ethic and always had a positive attitude no matter what. I still have his goofy laugh stuck in my head.

He had been living on his own since he was 16, working and going to high school. He continued that work ethic through the remaining years of his life and brought it to the Academy.

He was and is an amazing friend. I know he'll be up there, with his dad, watching over us. He is my guardian Angel.

Yesterday, a group of us went to the Arizona Peace Officer Memorial to reminisce on the effect Briese had on all of our lives.

Briese went out, guns blazing, doing what he loved.

Briese, I know your father is proud of you and im sure is happy to have you home. Your watch is over now brother, rest easy, we've got it from here.

Officer Joshua Briese
EOW: 06/01/2024

CPL Anthony Stretton
Eloy Police Department

June 2, 2025