Suspect arrested after 2 officers shot responding to call, leaving 1 in critical condition

PHOENIX (KTVK/KPHO/Gray News) - A police officer from Phoenix is fighting for his life, while a second officer has been released from the hospital after they were shot while responding to a call, officials say.

The incident happened just before 6:30 p.m. Tuesday near 16th Street and McDowell Road, AZ Family reports.

A suspect, later identified as 41-year-old Saul Bal, has been arrested and is now facing charges of attempted homicide.

Interim Phoenix Police Chief Michael Sullivan says the two officers responded to someone breaking into a vehicle. When they arrived, the suspect ran off and jumped a fence.

“Officers gave chase and were met with gunfire,” Sullivan said.

Police say one officer returned gunfire, but Bal was not hit. Bal then fled the scene on foot, but nearby officers were able to arrest him.

Both officers were shot and were taken to Banner University Medical Center, just blocks away from the scene.

“One officer was saved by his ballistic vest,” Sullivan said.

That officer was released from the hospital Wednesday evening. His partner remains in critical condition and is said to be fighting for his life.

One of the officers has been with the department for five years and the other for two years. Both are assigned to the Mountain View Precinct.

“I ask the community to keep both officers and their families in their thoughts and prayers. I would also like to express my gratitude for men and women of the Phoenix Police Department who, even in the face of danger, are committed to keeping this community safe,” Sullivan said.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that she was devastated when she heard about the shooting.

“My thoughts are with the officers, their families and the entire law enforcement community at this time,” she said.

She said the state Department of Public Safety was ready to help in the investigation.

Bal has been booked into Maricopa County Jail on multiple felony charges, including two counts of attempted murder. His cash-only bond was set at $2 million.

Police say Bal has a violent criminal history. Records show Bal has convictions for attempted burglary and drug-related crimes in other parts of the state dating back to 2007. He’s also not allowed to own a gun.

His parole from a previous conviction was set to expire Thursday.

This is the 39th officer-involved shooting in Maricopa County this year and the 66th officer-involved shooting statewide.

Copyright 2024 KTVK/KPHO via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.