Police detective dies in line of duty after accidental rifle discharge

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) - A Scottsdale police detective died after an accidental rifle discharge following the completion of a search warrant Thursday night.

Police say that after a search warrant and arrest operation was completed detectives were unloading equipment from a vehicle near the Scottsdale Airport when a bag containing a rifle fell to the ground and discharged.

Detective Ryan So was struck by the round and fellow detectives immediately rendered aid. He was taken to a hospital but did not survive.

“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,” representatives with Scottsdale police shared.

So is survived by his wife and three children, according to Scottsdale Assistant Police Chief Rich Slavin.

“As you can imagine, this is an incredibly difficult time,” Slavin said Thursday night. “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.”

The Mesa Police Department, as part of the East Valley Critical Response Team, is investigating what happened.

So’s body was brought to the medical examiner’s office by procession around 2:30 a.m. on Friday.

The following organizations are accepting donations and supporting the family of the fallen detective:

• Fraternal Order of Police
• Police Officers of Scottsdale Association
• 100 Club
• The Scottsdale Police Foundation

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