Police officer dies after being shot in line of duty while responding to a reported break-in

PHOENIX (KPHO/Gray News) - A police officer in Arizona has died after he was shot while responding to a vehicle break-in call earlier this week.

The Phoenix Police Department confirmed Officer Zane Coolidge died on Friday from his injuries sustained in a shooting on Tuesday.

Officer Coolidge had been with the department for five years and leaves behind a wife and baby girl.

“Officer Coolidge was a husband, father, son, brother, friend, and a dedicated and beloved member of the Phoenix Police Department,” Interim Chief of Police Michael Sullivan said. “He has been surrounded by loved ones and blanketed in the prayers of this community. Officer Coolidge’s legacy will forever be a part of this department.”

Phoenix City Mayor Kate Gallego said that she was devastated by the death of Officer Coolidge and extended her deepest condolences to loved ones.

“On behalf of the city, I extend my deepest condolences to Officer Coolidge’s family and friends, and his brothers and sisters. We will forever honor and remember his bravery and selfless service to our community,” she shared.

Tuesday’s shooting happened after Officer Coolidge responded with fellow Officer Matthew Haney to reports of a person, later identified as 41-year-old Saul Bal, breaking into a vehicle near 16th Street and McDowell Road.

A chase ensued between the two officers and Bal when they were suddenly shot at, authorities said.

Officers Coolidge and Haney were both shot and rushed to Banner University Medical Center.

Bal ended up running away from the scene, but he was later caught by other officers.

Officer Haney was released from the hospital on Wednesday while Officer Coolidge continued to fight for his life before succumbing to his injuries.

Chief Sullivan said Officer Haney’s ballistic vest saved his life.

PLEA Charities, which is run by the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, has set up a donation drive to help support the officers and their families.

“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,” Darrell Kriplean, president of PLEA, said.

Police say Bal has a violent criminal history and was previously convicted for attempted burglary and drug-related crimes dating back to 2007.

He had a court appearance Saturday and is now facing an upgraded charge of first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer. His cash bond is still set at $2 million, and there is a chance he could face the death penalty.

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