Phoenix Police Arrest Suspect in Shooting of Officers
In a shocking turn of events, Phoenix police have apprehended the man responsible for shooting and seriously injuring two officers on Tuesday night. Tragically, one of the officers remains in critical condition, according to a statement released by Phoenix police.
During a press conference following the incident, Phoenix Police Chief Mike Sullivan expressed his deep sorrow, stating, “This is a terrible night for the Phoenix Police Department and for those who love and care for our officers and for members of our community.”
The shooting occurred around 6:25 p.m. in the vicinity of 16th Street and McDowell Road, near Banner Medical Center, as confirmed by authorities.
According to reports, the officers came across the suspect, identified as 41-year-old Saul Bal, breaking into a vehicle. When they attempted to approach him, Bal fled, leading to a pursuit in which he eventually shot at the officers, injuring them both.
Despite his attempts to escape, Bal was swiftly apprehended nearby, while the injured officers were rushed to the hospital for immediate medical attention.
Mayor Kate Gallego offered a glimmer of hope, mentioning, “The one ray of light is the incident occurred very close to Banner Medical and our officers are receiving excellent care.”
Police Chief Sullivan highlighted the importance of safety gear, stating that one of the officers survived due to his ballistic vest, while the other officer continues to fight for his life in critical condition.
This unfortunate incident marks the 11th time this year that Phoenix officers have been targeted by gunfire, emphasizing the dangers they face daily.
Sullivan concluded by expressing his frustration, saying, “What happened tonight is senseless. It angers me and I hope you share my anger.”
Saul Bal is currently facing two attempted murder charges as investigators delve deeper into the case.
Watch 12News+ for free
If you want to stay updated on this developing story, you can tune in to 12News+ through their app, which offers live streaming of events, newscasts, weather updates, and more.
Users can access the 12News+ app on platforms like Roku and Amazon Fire TV to watch live coverage and on-demand videos of top stories, local features, and archived content.
Stay informed and stay connected with 12News+ on Roku and Amazon Fire TV!
