According to the department on Friday night, one of the two Phoenix police officers wounded earlier this week by a guy attempting to break into a car has passed away from his wounds.
Five-year department veteran Officer Zane Coolidge passed away on Friday at the hospital after being admitted on Tuesday night in severe condition.
In a statement, Interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan said, “It is with a heavy heart and incredible sadness that I let you know about the passing of Phoenix Police Officer Zane Coolidge.” Coolidge was a husband, father, brother, and son in addition to being a “dedicated and beloved member of the Phoenix Police Department.”
Eleven times this year, Phoenix police have been the target of gunfire, according to Sullivan.
Saul Bal, 41, was taken into custody by police shortly after the incident on suspicion of several charges, including attempted murder, possession of a weapon without authorization, and car burglary. As of right now, there was no information on any extra charges related to the delayed death on the internet.
Additionally, an internet search yielded no results on Bal’s upcoming court case or the existence of a representative who could speak on his behalf.
After receiving treatment, Officer Matthew Haney, Coolidge’s partner and a two-year department veteran, was discharged from the hospital. He is recuperating at home.
The officers, certified field training officers in the Mountain View Precinct who assist in teaching recent police academy graduates, were not identified by age by the department.
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At approximately 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, both officers responded to a complaint about a guy attempting to break into a car and began pursuing a suspect on foot. The man shot at the cops, hitting them both.
The suspect was not hit, even though one cop was able to return fire. Bal was soon apprehended nearby by other police. Investigators found a gun they think he used.
