INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA
One of the two Phoenix police officers injured after being shot in the line of duty Tuesday night remains in critical condition as he continues “to fight for his life at hospital,” department officials stated in a release.
The second officer has been released and will continue his recovery at home.
The officers have been with the department five and two years, respectively. Both are certified field training officers in the Mountain View Precinct, helping those who have just graduated the academy.
The suspect, 41-year-old Saul Bal, remains in custody and is being held on a $2 million bond. He faces charges including attempted homicide, weapons violations and burglary from vehicle.
“Bal has a violent criminal history and is a prohibited possessor,” police stated in the release.
“I continue to keep the two officers injured in my thoughts and ask the entire Phoenix community to join me in supporting their families and our department through this difficult time,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said.
“The perpetrator’s unconscionable act of gun violence against our officers is a stark reminder that their service to our city comes with serious risk and sacrifice for which we are immensely grateful.”
Since the shooting, authorities said the officers and department have received “overwhelming” community support and cited the poles around the hospital where the two officers were taken have been adorned with blue ribbons.
“The support we have been receiving from the public and community partners has been unwavering. We appreciate the thoughts and encouragement for our officers as they continue to do the job, knowing one of their own remains in the hospital,” said Leif Myers, Mountain View Precinct commander.
At about 6:30 p.m. Sept. 3, a two-person patrol unit was dispatched on a call of a man trying to break into a vehicle by a home near 16th and Brill streets, police said.
Officers approached the suspect who fled on foot and, after a short pursuit, he started shooting at them, an earlier release stated. Both officers were hit. One officer returned fire, but Bal was not struck.
Bal took off again, police said, but was arrested nearby by other officers.
The Phoenix Police Foundation has setup a webpage for anyone wanting to donate: Phoenix Police Foundation Officer Assistance Page