Phoenix police shooting: City on edge after gunman opens fire on officers answering 911 call

The officers were shot near 16th Street and McDowell Road.

UPDATED SEP 5, 2024

Both officers were struck, though the suspect himself was not hit.

Phoenix, Arizona: Two Phoenix police officers have been hospitalized after being shot while responding to reports of a break-in on Tuesday evening.

Where did the shooting occur?

The officers were shot near 16th Street and McDowell Road.

What happened at the scene?

The officers were responding to a call about a suspect breaking into vehicles when they encountered the 41-year-old suspect Saul Bal. According to police, the suspect attempted to flee the scene, jumping a wall before opening fire on the officers. In the ensuing exchange, both officers were struck, though the suspect himself was not hit.

Was the suspct apprehended?

After a nearly three-hour manhunt, the suspect was arrested and is now facing multiple felony charges, including attempted murder.

How are the officers doing?

One officer remains in critical condition, while the other is reported to be in stable condition.

Who is Saul Bal?

The shooter Saul Bal did prison time for charges of attempted burglary, unlawful use of means of transportation, disorderly conduct, and multiple drug crimes. He also served some time within the New Mexico Corrections Department, after being arrested in Riverside, California. in November 2023 on warrants that included being a fugitive out of state. He was released in February 2024. Within Arizona, the crimes Bal committed happened within Navajo, Pinal, and Yuma Counties.