An Arizona detective passed away last week after a gun he was transferring inadvertently discharged.
The Scottsdale Police Department stated on social media that Detective Ryan So “succumbed to duty-related injuries” sustained on Friday, June 14, but did not disclose any other information.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy for both Ryan’s family and his police family at SPD,” the agency said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Detective So’s family, his team, and everyone across our police department.”
The Scottsdale Police Department stated in a news release to The Arizona Republic and Newsweek that So and other detectives from the Special Assignment Unit were unloading equipment after executing a search warrant and arrest operation when the event occurred.
Police said that as So lifted a bag from a truck, a weapon dropped out. As it hit the pavement, the weapon fired, wounding him.
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Other detectives on the scene assisted him before he was transferred to the hospital, where he died of his injuries.
“The death of Detective So is mourned deeply by the entire community. “We will always remember his sacrifice and his legacy as a hero who dedicated his life to serving and protecting others,” Scottsdale police said in a statement to news agencies. According to the agency, So had been a Scottsdale police officer for nine years and served in the United States Navy.
According to local TV station KSAZ, So leaves behind a wife, Ashley, and three daughters, Emerson, Stella, and Tatum.
Sandi Turek, who taught one of So’s daughters at North Valley Christian Academy, described him as a devoted father who always made time for his kids. “He made it a point to show up in the middle of the day, like, ‘What time is it? “I need to be there,” Turek told people. “He made sure he was there.”
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She also mentioned that he enjoyed serving his community and setting an example for his girls, whom he frequently dropped off at school in the mornings.
“He’d always ask, ‘What can I do to help?’ He was a mirror. “They reflected on it, saw it as an example, and wanted to be like their father,” Turek explained.
So’s funeral is scheduled for Thursday, June 20, in Scottsdale, Arizona.