1 Phoenix officer fighting for life, another left hospital after shooting

PHOENIX — One Phoenix officer is “fighting for his life” and another is in stable condition following a shooting Tuesday evening, authorities said.

“One of our officers was saved by his ballistic vest and is in stable condition,” Phoenix Interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan said during a press conference outside the hospital where the officers are being treated. “The second officer is currently fighting for his life in critical condition.”

The incident started around 6:30 p.m. when the officers responded to a vehicle theft call in the area of 16th Street and McDowell Road, police said.

They located the suspect, 41-year-old Saul Bal, and approached him.

“When they arrived, the suspect took off running and jumped over a fence,” Sullivan said. “Our officers gave chase and were met with gunfire.”

🚨Update from PIO Sgt. Krynsky pic.twitter.com/E5hFhDgoS9

— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) September 4, 2024

One Phoenix officer returned fire but didn’t hit the suspect. However, other officers arrested Bal nearby.

The injured officers were rushed to Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix.

It was the 11th time this year that Phoenix officers were met with gunfire, Sullivan said.

As of Wednesday 6:30 p.m., one officer remains in critical condition while the other has been released from the hospital.

🚨Update🚨
Sgt. Phil Krynsky gives an update on the two #PHXPD officers that were shot in the line of duty last night. We want to thank the community for their support and prayers during this difficult time. Please follow our social media for the latest updates. pic.twitter.com/iN5JhgY0FK

— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) September 5, 2024

What is known about man suspected of shooting Phoenix officers?

Bal was booked into jail on multiple charges, including two counts of attempted murder, police said.

He also faces burglary and illegal weapon possession charges.

Bal has a long criminal history, according to Darrell Kriplean, president of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association.

In fact, Bal knew one of the police officers he allegedly shot, Kriplean told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s The Mike Broomhead Show.

“One of the officers at the hospital last night told me that he had already dealt with this person before and had put him into prison for a felony offense,” Kriplean said. “It’s frustrating. It really kind of pisses us off that there is this revolving door.”

This is an updated version of a story originally published on Sept. 3, 2024.

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