The community of Scottsdale is mourning the loss of a local police detective.
Scottsdale police officer, identified as Det. Ryan So has died following a "critical incident," with many details about the event still unclear.
According to Fox10 Phoenix, Detective Ryan So of the Scottsdale Police Department passed away on June 13 after a grave incident that remains under investigation.
The circumstances leading to Detective So's death began unfolding around 6:30 p.m. last Thursday. Scottsdale Police were alerted to an emergency involving an officer between 78th and 76th streets near the Greenway-Hayden Loop.
Found in a distressed state, Detective So was promptly transported to a nearby hospital, where he tragically succumbed to his condition.
Assistant Chief Rich Slavin of the Scottsdale Police expressed the deep impact of this loss on the force. Slavin shared:
As you can imagine, this is an incredibly difficult time. We ask for privacy for Ryan’s family and the police department. Please keep Ryan’s family and the men and women of the Scottsdale Police Department in your thoughts and prayers.
The community and the police department held a solemn procession on Thursday night following the release of Detective So's body from the hospital. The cortege conveyed his body to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office, demonstrating the department's deep respect and mourning for their colleague. There is noted to be no ongoing threat to the public related to this incident.
Detective Ryan So's career with the Scottsdale police spanned over nine years, showcasing his dedication to public service. His noteworthy service record also includes time served in the U.S. Navy, marking him as a committed servant to both his community and country.
Det. So is survived by his grieving family, comprising his wife and three children, who now face the daunting task of moving forward without their loved one. The loss has not just touched the immediate family but has reverberated through the Scottsdale community and its police department, adding a layer of personal tragedy to the professional loss.
The investigation into the critical incident that led to Detective So's fatal outcome is currently under the stewardship of the Mesa Police Department. As part of the East Valley Critical Response Team, they are tasked with uncovering the sequence of events that tragically concluded with a seasoned officer's death.
While the Scottsdale and broader law enforcement community reflect on this loss, the thorough investigation by Mesa Police continues, aiming to provide clarity and closure for all involved.
This incident starkly reminds the public of the perils law enforcement officers routinely face, bringing a shared sense of grief and solidarity among community members and fellow officers alike.
In conclusion, the passing of Detective Ryan So marks a somber moment for Scottsdale. While his family, friends, and colleagues mourn, the ongoing investigation promises to shed light on the circumstances that led to this tragic loss. The community's support for So's family and the police department remains strong during this challenging time.
