The man charged with fatally shooting a Phoenix police officer and wounding another pleaded not guilty in court last week. Saul Bal, 41, is facing several felony charges after the September 3 incident that left Officer Zane Coolidge dead and Officer Matthew Haney injured. According to azfamily.com, Bal's attorney entered the not-guilty plea on his behalf during a Friday arraignment hearing.
The shooting took place near 16th Street and McDowell Road after officers responded to reports of a car break-in. Following the incident, both officers were quickly transported to a hospital with serious injuries. Officer Haney was able to be treated and released shortly after, but Officer Coolidge succumbed to his injuries three days later. Fox10Phoenix.com reported that Bal was arrested and has subsequently been indicted on charges including first-degree murder and aggravated assault, among others.
Bal, who was taken into custody following the shooting, is scheduled to return to court on November 20 for his initial pretrial conference. As for the full trial, it is set to begin on May 29, 2025. The man stands accused of multiple counts, from first-degree murder to first-degree burglary, and misconduct involving weapons. Both incidents that day have led to a heavy police presence and road closures during the subsequent investigation.
Officer Coolidge, 29, was remembered at a service on September 18, leaving behind a young family that includes a wife and baby daughter.
