Phoenix, AZ — Saul Bal, 41, has been charged with attempted homicide following a shooting incident involving Phoenix police officers on September 3. According to a release from the Phoenix Police Department, Bal was apprehended after a confrontation with law enforcement near 16th and Brill streets.
The incident began around 6:30 p.m. when a two-officer patrol unit was dispatched to reports of a man trying to break into a vehicle. Upon arriving at the scene, officers approached Bal, who fled on foot. During a brief chase, Bal fired at the officers, hitting both. One officer returned fire, but Bal was not struck.
After fleeing further, Bal was captured nearby by additional officers. The injured officers were rushed to a hospital, where one is in critical condition and the other is stable.
Phoenix Police Chief Michael Sullivan condemned the attack, stating, “The officers are surrounded by family and loved ones, and we ask that you keep everyone affected by this cowardly act in your thoughts and prayers. Our officers have been met by gunfire 11 times this year protecting and serving this community. What happened tonight is senseless. It angers me, and I hope you share in my anger.”
Homicide detectives are leading the investigation into the shooting. Bal has been booked into the Maricopa County Jail on multiple felony charges, including two counts of attempted murder.