One Phoenix Police Department officer is fighting for his life, while another is hospitalized in stable condition after a police-involved shooting in central Phoenix on Tuesday.
According to the Phoenix Police Department, on September 3, 2024, at approximately 6:30 p.m., a two-man patrol unit was dispatched to a call of a man trying to break into a vehicle by a home near 16th Street and Brill Street. When officers arrived, they were directed to a man, later identified as 41-year-old Saul Bal, as the suspect breaking into a vehicle.
Officers approached Bal who immediately took off on foot. After a short foot pursuit, Bal started shooting at the officers, striking both of them. One of the officers was able to return fire, but Bal was not struck.
Chief Michael Sullivan said the events of the evening were devastating for the Department, for those who love and care for our officers and for the entire community.
“The officers are surrounded by family and loved ones and we ask that you keep everyone affected by this cowardly act in your thoughts and prayers,” said Sullivan as he spoke to members of the accompanied by City and County leaders outside the hospital.
Chief Sullivan also provided a troubling statistic, “Our officers have been met by gunfire 11 times this year protecting and serving this community. What happened tonight is senseless. It angers me and I hope you share in my anger.”
Bal was booked into the Maricopa County Jail on multiple felonies to include two counts of Attempted Murder.