Suspect indicted on first-degree murder in death of Phoenix police officer

PHOENIX — The suspect accused in the death of a Phoenix police officer earlier this month was indicted on first-degree murder, authorities announced Monday.

Saul Bal, 41, faces the charge in the death of 29-year-old Zane Coolidge. Bal was also indicted on one count of attempt to commit first-degree murder, one count of aggravated assault, one count of first-degree burglary and one count of misconduct involving weapons.

“The men and women in blue are heroes,” Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said in a press release. “It is unthinkable that someone would take one of their lives. The person who took Officer Coolidge’s life will be held accountable.”

What happened to slain Phoenix police officer?

Coolidge and another officer, Matthew Haney, responded to the area of 16th Street and McDowell Road around 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 3 to investigate an auto theft report.

When they approached 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.

Coolidge was rushed to Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix in critical condition. He died three days later. Haney suffered injuries that were not life-threatening and was subsequently released from the hospital.

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.

A trial date for Bal has not been set.

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