The Arizona law enforcement community is mourning the loss of Phoenix Police Officer Zane Coolidge, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a shooting while on duty in the city's downtown area. Officer Coolidge, as reported by AZFamily.com, was a five-year veteran of the department and is survived by his wife, and baby girl. The incident, where the officer was shot multiple times by a suspected car thief, occurred on September 3 near 16th Street and McDowell Road, and the officer put up a "valiant fight" for his life until passing away a few days later.
In a statement, Interim Phoenix Police Chief Michael Sullivan expressed the depth of grief engulfing the department, "It is with a heavy heart and incredible sadness that I let you know of the passing of Phoenix Police Officer Zane Coolidge #10914." Officer Coolidge was described as a dedicated member of the police force who represented "the best among us." Phoenix City Mayor Kate Gallego shared her devastation at the loss and extended condolences to Officer Coolidge's family, as AZFamily.com reports.
The fallen officer's passing marks the fourth on-duty death of law enforcement in Arizona this year alone. Other officers who also died in the line of duty in 2024 include Tucson Police Lead Officer Adam R. Buckner, who died on March 31 after his vehicle was struck by a sedan, Gila River Police Department's Officer Joshua Briese, who was fatally shot during a disturbance call on June 1, and Detective Ryan So of the Scottsdale Police Department who died in a tragic incident involving a fallen rifle on June 13, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix.
Officer Matthew Haney, who served alongside Coolidge during the fateful incident, was also shot but has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home, thanks to his ballistic vest which saved his life, Sullivan said. The suspect in Coolidge's shooting, 41-year-old Saul Bal, was arrested following the incident and was found to have an extensive violent criminal history, including previous convictions for attempted burglary and drug-related crimes.
Darrell Kriplean, president of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA), spoke to the character of Officer Coolidge, as reported by AZFamily.com, "A humble and selfless public servant, Officer Coolidge wore the badge with pride and honor." The department, he insisted, would continue to serve with the courage and integrity that was exemplified by Officer Coolidge's service.
