2 police officers in Phoenix were injured in shooting

PHOENIX – Two Phoenix police officers were injured in a shooting Tuesday night while responding to a report of a car theft, authorities said.

“One of our officers was saved thanks to his bulletproof vest and is in stable condition,” said Mike Sullivan, interim chief of the Phoenix Police Department, during a press conference. “The second officer is currently fighting for his life in critical condition.”

The incident began around 6:30 p.m. when officers responded to a carjacking call in the area of ​​16th Street and McDowell Road.

They found the suspect, 41-year-old Saul Bal, and approached him.

“When they arrived, the suspect ran and jumped a fence,” Sullivan said. “Our officers pursued him and were met with gunfire.”

One of the officers returned fire but did not hit the suspect. However, other officers who responded arrested Bal nearby.

He was taken to prison on several charges, including two counts of attempted murder, police said.

The officers were transported to Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix.

🚨Update from PIO Sgt. Krynsky pic.twitter.com/E5hFhDgoS9

— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) 4 September 2024

No further details about the case were released.

This is the eleventh time this year that police officers in Phoenix have been confronted with gunfire, Sullivan said.

This is an updated version of a story originally published on September 3, 2024.

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