A man from Phoenix has been charged with first-degree murder, among other felony charges, following the fatal shooting of a police officer and the injury of another. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell revealed on Monday that a grand jury indicted 41-year-old Saul Bal on charges including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, first-degree burglary, and misconduct involving weapons.
Bal, who was arrested hours after the shooting incident which claimed the life of Officer Zane Coolidge and wounded Officer Matthew Haney on September 3rd, has not had a trial date set yet. His attorney, Alicia Dominguez, chose not to comment on the case.
The police officers were responding to a report of a man allegedly attempting to break into a car when the suspect, later identified as Bal, fled the scene and later fired shots at the pursuing officers. Officer Coolidge, aged 29, succumbed to his injuries three days later, while Officer Haney, aged 31, was fortunately protected by his ballistic vest and is now recuperating at home.
Bal is currently in custody on a $2 million cash-only bond. Prosecutors noted his extensive criminal record and revealed that he was on parole from the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry at the time of the shooting incident.
Officer Coolidge, a five-year veteran of the force, is survived by his wife and their 5-month-old daughter. His funeral has been scheduled for Wednesday.
