Details Emerge in Tragic Death of Scottsdale Detective
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Details Emerge in Tragic Death of Scottsdale Detective

Report Reveals Rifle's Safety Was Off When It Discharged, Leading to Detective Ryan So’s Fatal Injury

SCOTTSDALE, AZ — A newly released report sheds light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic on-duty death of Detective Ryan So, a nine-year veteran of the Scottsdale Police Department. According to the Mesa Police Department’s Homicide Unit, the rifle involved in the incident discharged after falling out of a backpack with its safety off.

The investigation, requested by Scottsdale police, concluded that there was “no evidence of criminal negligence on the part of any parties.”

The incident occurred on June 13 after Detective So and another detective returned to a department facility following a search warrant. The other detective, whose name has been redacted in the public report, was experiencing electrical issues with their vehicle and planned to switch to another. Detective So offered to assist with moving items.

While removing a backpack by its metal frame and holding it upside down, a rifle fell from the bottom of the bag. The rifle struck the asphalt butt-first and discharged, fatally wounding Detective So in the neck.

A nearby police sergeant, initially suspecting an accidental gun discharge, discovered Detective So on the ground and called for medics. Officers briefly checked neighboring businesses for an ambush shooter, as the exact cause of the injury was unclear at first.

Detective So was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries. He leaves behind a wife and three children.

Rifle Details and Investigation Findings

The rifle involved, an Accuracy International .308, was not Detective So’s. According to the report, it belonged to the other detective and had been last used in a training exercise in California approximately one month earlier.

Investigators found the rifle loaded with 10 live rounds and one casing in the chamber. The detective stated it was their standard practice to store the rifle with the chamber empty and the safety on, though they could not specifically recall its condition when last stored.

Mesa police conducted forensic tests, confirming that the rifle could discharge if dropped with the stock folded and the safety in the ready-to-fire position.

Additional Investigations

The Maricopa County Medical Examiner ruled the death accidental, citing a gunshot wound to the neck. Earlier this year, the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) found no violations of state or federal safety standards. However, ADOSH acknowledged that internal Scottsdale Police Department policies regarding firearm storage may fall outside their jurisdiction.

Scottsdale police are conducting their own internal review to determine whether any department policies were violated. No timeline has been provided for the completion of this investigation.

Detective So’s death has prompted renewed conversations about firearm safety protocols within law enforcement. His dedication to service and his memory will be honored by his colleagues, family, and the Scottsdale community.