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'Officer Coolidge put up a valiant fight': Officer shot in the line of duty dies

41-year-old Saul Bal is accused of killing Officer Zane Coolidge and injuring Officer Matthey Haney on Sept. 3. Coolidge died from his injuries Friday.

PHOENIX — UPDATE: Saturday, Sept. 7

The Phoenix Police Department announced that charges for 41-year-old Saul Bal, the suspect accused of shooting and killing Officer Zane Coolidge and shooting and injuring Officer Matthew Haney, have been upgraded to include first-degree murder.  

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A Phoenix police officer who was shot in the line of duty Tuesday night has died, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

Officer Zane Coolidge was a 5-year veteran of the department.

Phoenix Police Department Interim Chief Michael Sullivan released the following statement:

Officer Coolidge was a husband, father, son, brother, friend, and a dedicated and beloved member of the Phoenix Police Department.

Since Tuesday night’s shooting, Officer Coolidge put up a valiant fight, despite the odds being against him.

He has been surrounded by loved ones and blanketed in the prayers of this community. The injuries he sustained after the cowardly acts of another were just too much for him to overcome. Officer Coolidge’s legacy will forever be a part of this Department.

Officer Coolidge’s family is dealing with unimaginable grief. We will do everything we can to help them through their darkest hours, and we pledge that they will always be a part of the Phoenix Police Family. I ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

This is also a very trying time for our Department. We have felt the outpouring of support from our community over the past few days and we know that will remain unwavering.

We will hold our heads up high and do our fallen colleague proud, by continuing to serve our community with the courage and integrity that is Phoenix Police Department.

Coolidge was escorted from the hospital to the medical examiner's office on Friday surrounded by hundreds of his brothers and sisters in blue.

Reaction from the community:

Phoenix Law Enforcement Association President Darrell Kriplean issued the following statement:

"We are devastated by the passing of Officer Zane Coolidge. A humble and selfless public servant, Officer Coolidge wore the badge with pride and honor. This is not an easy job; our officers wear the uniform each day and face the unknown. Officer Coolidge represented the best among us, upholding his oath to our community and putting service before self.

"Our thoughts are with Officer Coolidge's wife and young family, and we stand ready to help them through this difficult time."

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallegos issued this statement following the news:

“I am devastated by the tragic loss of Officer Zane Coolidge, who lost his life while keeping the rest of us safe from harm. I know that our entire community is mourning this loss, and on behalf of the City, I extend my deepest condolences to Officer Coolidge’s family and friends, and his brothers and sisters in the Phoenix Police Department. We will forever honor and remember his bravery and selfless service to our community.

"Our police officers are the best of us. They put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect us, and this loss is a stark reminder that serving in uniform comes with immense risk—and sometimes, the ultimate sacrifice. We are actively working to ensure justice is served and will continue to support our first responders and law enforcement who uphold the law.”

Phoenix City Councilwoman Betty Guardado issued the following statement on the passing of Officer Coolidge:

"It is with a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Officer Zane Coolidge. During times like these, we are reminded of how precious life truly is and the importance of cherishing each moment.

Our courageous officers put everything on the line everyday to ensure our safety, and it's important for us to remember that they are not just public servants but also husbands, wives, moms, dads, sons, daughters, and someone's beloved child. As a mother of two boys myself, I cannot help but feel the weight of his mother's sorrow during this unimaginable time.

While words often fall short in moments like this, please know that every prayer and thought of kindness carries weight and meaning.

I send my heartfelt sympathy to all who are affected by this tragedy."

One officer survived the shooting

The other officer who was shot has been released from the hospital, the Phoenix Police Department said. 

Police identified him as Officer Matthew Haney, a 2-year veteran of the department who was hired after 7 years of service in northern California. He and his family have asked for privacy. 

"The officers have been with the Department five and two years," the department said in a statement. "Both are certified Field Training Officers in the Mountain View Precinct who help to train those who have just graduated the academy."

The shooting happened Tuesday night near McDowell Road and 16th Street.

RELATED: Man accused of shooting 2 Phoenix police officers was days from ending supervised release, records show

Officers arrested Saul Bal, 41, who police said shot the officers after being confronted during an alleged attempted vehicle break-in. Records show that Bal has a lengthy history of prior convictions.

In addition to drug-related convictions in Navajo, Yuma and Pinal counties, Bal was also charged with attempted burglar and disorderly conduct in Navajo County. He is now facing two attempted murder charges in connection with Tuesday night's shooting.

According to Arizona Department of Correction records, Bal had been admitted into prison in April 2024 and was moved to community supervision on July 19. His sentence was set to end on Sept. 5, two days after the shooting.

Bal is being held on a $2 million cash-only bond.

The department has received an outpouring of support since the shooting, officials said. Many of the poles around the hospital where the two were taken have been adorned with blue ribbons.

RELATED: Here's how you can help support Phoenix officers shot in the line of duty

“The support we have been receiving from the public and community partners has been unwavering. We appreciate the thoughts and encouragement for our officers as they continue to do the job, knowing one of their own remains in the hospital,” said Mountain View Precinct Commander Leif Myers.

Detectives did find a firearm that is believed to be the one used by Bal while investigating the scene. 

“I ask the community to keep both officers and their families in their thoughts and prayers. I would also like to express my gratitude for men and women of the Phoenix Police Department who, even in the face of danger, are committed to keeping this community safe,” said Interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan.

The Phoenix Police Foundation has set up a page here for donations for the officers. 

The Phoenix Law Enforcement Association also has a page where people can donate.  

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