Phoenix Officer Dies Days After Suspect Charged in Shooting of 2 Officers

Tragic news has emerged from Phoenix, where one of two police officers shot earlier this week has succumbed to his injuries. Officer Zane Coolidge, a dedicated member of the Phoenix Police Department for five years, passed away on Friday at a local hospital.

Interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan expressed deep sorrow in a statement regarding Coolidge’s death. He described him as a loving husband, father, son, and brother, in addition to his role as a cherished member of the department.

This incident marks a troubling trend, as Sullivan noted that Phoenix officers have faced gunfire on 11 separate occasions this year alone. The department continues to address the growing concern regarding officer safety amid rising violence.

The shooting occurred earlier in the week when Officer Coolidge and his partner, Officer Matthew Haney, responded to a report of a man attempting to break into a car. The officers were engaged in a foot pursuit when the suspect fired upon them, resulting in both officers being struck.

Officer Coolidge was critically injured and later died from those injuries. His partner, Officer Haney, sustained injuries but was released from the hospital after receiving treatment and is now recuperating at home.

The shooter, identified as 41-year-old Saul Bal, was apprehended shortly after the incident. Bal faces several serious charges, including attempted homicide, weapons violations, and vehicle burglary. As of now, no further details regarding any subsequent charges linked to Coolidge’s death have been disclosed.

Information about a future court date for Bal or whether he has secured legal representation remains unavailable as police continue to investigate the case.

Despite the risks they face, Officer Coolidge and Officer Haney were serving as certified field training officers at the Mountain View Precinct, where they helped to train recent police academy graduates. The elevated risks and dangers of policing have come into sharp focus in light of this tragedy.

The community mourns the loss of Officer Coolidge, whose presence and dedication to his work left a profound impact on both colleagues and residents alike. This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the perils law enforcement officers face in their commitment to keeping communities safe.

As the Phoenix Police Department grieves, they reaffirm their commitment to supporting the families of those affected and to enhancing safety measures for their officers on duty.