A Phoenix man, Saul Bal, is being charged with first-degree murder and other felonies after a grand jury indictment, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix. Bal, aged 41, stands accused of the fatal shooting of Phoenix police officer Zane Coolidge and the wounding of another officer, Matthew Haney, during an incident on September 3rd.
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office listed the charges against Bal to include not only first-degree murder but also attempt to commit first-degree murder, aggravated assault, burglary in the first degree, and misconduct involving weapons. According to a 12 News report, no trial date has been set. Bal was apprehended shortly after the officers, who had responded to reports of an attempted car break-in, were shot.
Officer Coolidge, who was 29, succumbed to his injuries three days after the shooting, leaving behind a wife and a 5-month-old daughter. Officer Haney, aged 31, was protected by his ballistic vest and is currently recovering. 12 News also mentioned that Bal remains incarcerated with a cash-only bond set at $2 million. His alleged criminal action occurred while he was on parole from the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry.
"The men and women in blue are heroes. It is unthinkable that someone would take one of their lives. The person who took Officer Coolidge’s life will be held accountable," Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell stated, as obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix. Saul Bal's criminal history was described as lengthy leading up to the events of September 3.
A closed funeral service for Officer Coolidge is set to occur at Dream City Church in north Phoenix, with the procession route outlined for the public. The loss of Officer Coolidge has been markedly felt within the Phoenix law enforcement community and by those he served.
