2 Phoenix Police officers injured in shooting near downtown, suspect arrested
PHOENIX - A man has been arrested after two Phoenix Police officers were injured in a Tuesday night shooting just outside of downtown, leaving one of the officers with critical injuries.
The shooting happened near 15th Street and McDowell Road on the evening of Sept. 3 around 6:30 p.m.
"This is a terrible night for the Phoenix Police Department, for those who love and care for our officers and for members of our community," said Interim Phoenix Police Chief Michael Sullivan during a news conference around 9:45 p.m. "Tonight, two of our officers were shot protecting this community."
He says the officers responded to a report of someone breaking into a car. When the two officers arrived, the suspect ran and jumped a fence. That's when the chief says his officers ran after the suspect, but were quickly met with gunfire.
Saul Bal
"One of our officers was saved by his ballistic vest and is in stable condition. The second officer is currently fighting for his life in critical condition," the chief said.
Just before 9 p.m., Phoenix Police said a person had been detained. The suspect has since been identified as 41-year-old Saul Bal.
Bal was booked into jail and is accused of multiple charges, including attempted murder.
"Our officers have been met by gunfire 11 times this year protecting and serving this community," Sullivan said in a statement. "What happened tonight is senseless. It angers me and I hope you share in my anger."
In a release on Wednesday, the officers were identified as having served for two and five years with the police force.
One of the officers was released from the hospital on Wednesday.
Phoenix Law Enforcement Association statement
"Last night, two Phoenix Police Officers were violently attacked by a cowardly career criminal who was victimizing a community member. Too often these drains on society will resort to violence to avoid being held accountable for their own missteps. We are angry and frustrated by the rise in violent attacks against officers who willingly put their lives on the line each day to protect our community. Our officers have a heart for service and know every day they could be injured or killed during their shift but continue to show up and work hard to protect our community from those whose sole purpose is to commit crime.
We are praying for the two injured officers and hope they are able to return home to their families soon. We ask that the community join us in our efforts to condemn these violent attacks against the men and women of law enforcement. Our community deserves better."
Footage shows search in neighborhoods
From SkyFOX, you can see a perimeter was set up for blocks as law enforcement scoured neighborhoods looking for those responsible.
Video was sent in to FOX 10 showing armed members of law enforcement, along with K-9s, searching neighborhoods for the suspects and ensuring the safety of residents.
2 Phoenix Police officers injured in shooting
Two Phoenix Police officers were injured in a shooting on Tuesday night near 15th Street and McDowell Road. The police department says one officer is in critical condition and the other is stable. FOX 10's Lindsey Ragas and Kenzie Beach have the latest on this story.