‘Praying for a miracle’: Phoenix officer remains on life support, police union leader says

Sep 6, 2024, 9:35 AM | Updated: 10:25 am

KTAR.com

PHOENIX — One of the two Phoenix officers injured in a shooting earlier this week remains on life support, a police union leader said Friday morning.

The Phoenix Police Department announced that Zane Coolidge and Matthew Haney were the officers wounded Tuesday while responding to a vehicle theft call.

Interim Chief Michael Sullivan speaks during a press conference after two of his officers were shot.

Phoenix Police respond to 16th Street and McDowell Road after two officers were shot.

Mugshot of Saul Bal, who is accused of shooting two Phoenix officers on Sept. 3, 2024.

Coolidge was rushed to Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix in critical condition.

“He’s still on life support, fighting for his life. He is a strong man. He’s demonstrating that every day that he fights this. His family is by his side, and they are praying for a miracle,” Darrell Kriplean, president of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA), told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s The Mike Broomhead Show.

Haney was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday and is recovering at home. Officials said he was saved by his ballistic vest.

Both injured officers are assigned to the Mountain View Precinct. Coolidge has been with the force for five years, and Haney for two. Haney joined Phoenix PD after seven years as an officer in northern California.

How to help injured Phoenix officers

PLEA Charities is one of several organizations raising funds to support the injured officers. In addition to online fundraising, the PLEA office at Adams Street and 12th Avenue will host a benefit barbecue from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday. All donations will benefit the Coolidge family, PLEA said.

The Phoenix Police Foundation also is accepting donations on behalf of the wounded officers and their families.

Another way to help is through the 100 Club of Arizona, a nonprofit group that assists first responders and their loved ones.

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.

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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