Phoenix police officer dies days after shooting, community mourns loss

PHOENIX — Officer Zane Coolidge, one of two Phoenix policeman involved in a recent shooting, died Friday evening after being on life support in Banner University Medical Center the past few days, authorities said.

“Officer Coolidge was a husband, father, son, brother, friend, and a dedicated and beloved member of the Phoenix Police Department,” Interim Chief Michael G. Sullivan said in a press release. “Since Tuesday night’s shooting, Officer Coolidge put up a valiant fight, despite the odds being against him.”

Coolidge had served in the Mountain View Precinct for five years. Sullivan stated that the injuries Coolidge had sustained were just “too much” for him to overcome.

Please see this message from Interim Chief Michael G. Sullivan on the passing of Officer Zane Coolidge. pic.twitter.com/OLdMegJwZ7

— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) September 6, 2024

Matthew Haney, the other officer who was caught in the line of fire, was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday and is still recovering at home, according to Phoenix PD.

“We will do everything we can to help them through their darkest hours, and we pledge that they will always be a part of the Phoenix Police Family,” Sullivan said. “I ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers … We will hold our heads up high and do our fallen colleague proud, by continuing to serve our community with the courage and integrity that is Phoenix Police Department.”

Sullivan said that Coolidge’s legacy will always be a piece of the department and that though this is a trying time for the community, the Phoenix PD will “remain unwavering.”

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego was among the first to react to the tragic passing of Coolidge on Friday.

“I am devastated by the tragic loss of Officer Zane Coolidge, who lost his life while keeping the rest of us safe from harm,” Gallego said in a press release. “I know that our entire community is mourning this loss, and on behalf of the City, I extend my deepest condolences to Officer Coolidge’s family and friends, and his brothers and sisters in the Phoenix Police Department. We will forever honor and remember his bravery and selfless service to our community.”

Phoenix councilwoman Betty Guardado also expressed her condolences for the Coolidge family. She said that this latest loss of life reminds us of how precious life truly is.

“As a mother of two boys myself, I cannot help but feel the weight of his mother’s sorrow during this unimaginable time,” Guardado said in a press release. “I send my heartfelt sympathy to all who are affected by this tragedy.”

How were Phoenix officers injured?

Coolidge and Haney responded to the area of 16th Street and McDowell Road around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday to investigate an auto theft report.

When they approached the suspect, 41-year-old Saul Bal, he ran off and jumped over a fence, police said. The officers gave chase, and that’s when Bal allegedly shot them.

One officer returned fire but didn’t hit the suspect. However, backup units arrived at the scene and arrested Bal nearby.

Bal was booked into jail on multiple charges, including two counts of attempted murder. One of the attempted murder counts was upgraded to first-degree murder after Coolidge’s death.

Officials said Bal has a long criminal history.

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

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