Suspect accused of shooting two police officers in Phoenix appears in court

PHOENIX – One of the two Police officers injured in shooting in Phoenix on Tuesday has been released from the hospital, while the other officer continues to fight for his life.

The shooting occurred near 15th Street and McDowell Road. According to Phoenix Deputy Police Chief Michael Sullivan, the two officers responded to a report that someone had broken into a car.

When they arrived, the suspect took off running and jumped over a fence. Then, the police chief said, his officers ran after the suspect but were quickly met with gunfire.

The suspect was identified as 41-year-old Saul Bal.

“We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation and holding everyone accountable for this heinous act,” said interim Chief Sullivan.

A press release on Wednesday stated that the officers had been with the police for two and five years respectively.

One of the officers was released from the hospital on Wednesday.

Cameras record incident

After the shooting, the search for the suspect began and FOX 10 viewers sent us videos of police going door to door and searching alleys.

“It was just scary. It was just terrifying,” said Amy Coleman, who lives in the area. “I just thought, wow. There's just such a heavy police presence.”

The issue of violence is very close to Coleman's heart. Just a few days ago, she wrote a letter to the Phoenix City Council about the violence in the neighborhood.

“I love this neighborhood, and sometimes it’s a scary place to live,” she said.

“It's a tough job. It's a dangerous job,” said Kevin Robinson, a Phoenix city councilman and former deputy chief of the Phoenix Police Department.

Police also said in court that the body cameras clearly captured Bal as the shooter. Bal was charged on Wednesday with attempted murder of the two police officers.

“Mr. Bal poses an extreme danger to the people of our community,” said Josh Maxwell, an attorney with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.

Bal defended himself in court.

“I know they say I shot him or something, but I didn't have a gun,” Bal said.

“Mr. Bal, I would of course like to remind you that you have the right to remain silent about the crimes you are accused of,” said the judge.

Bail was set at $2 million for Bal, who was on probation for another unrelated crime, and his probation was scheduled to end on Sept. 4, according to the judge.

Suspect has criminal past

Aside from his current legal troubles, we also uncovered a fairly lengthy criminal past for Bal.

Bal served time in prison for attempted burglary, unauthorized use of transportation, disorderly conduct, and several drug offenses. He also served time in the New Mexico Corrections Department after being arrested in Riverside, California, in November 2023 on warrants that also included fleeing from another state. He was released in February 2024.

Shot officers taken to nearby hospital

Both officers who were shot were taken to Banner University Medical Center, just four blocks from the crime scene.

One of these officers is fighting for his life.

Blue ribbons have been placed around the hospital to show support for officers.

One day after the shooting, it was quiet outside the hospital, but the public was eagerly awaiting the outcome of the police officer, who was in critical condition.

Operation Blue Ribbon is calling on valley residents to place blue ribbons near their homes and schools, on lampposts and trees to support officials.

This is the eleventh time this year that a police officer has been shot in Phoenix, the police chief said.

He is himself a former officer. Rev. Cleo Lewis prayed for these officers and their families.

“This incident is causing a wave of anger and emotion,” he said. “We want to let rank-and-file officers know that we support their efforts to maintain law and order in our community.”

Anne Ender, President of Operation Blue Ribbonsays the community is praying for the officers.

“We are here for you. We are praying for you and your families and want your family to know that we are here for you. If anything is needed, we are ready to help,” she said.

The 100 Club has already provided financial support to these officers and will continue to do so during their recovery.

Mental health for civil servants

News of the shooting also affects police officers throughout the valley.

Experts say there is still some stigma attached to mental health in the context of law enforcement, as asking for help can sometimes be perceived as a sign of weakness.

For this reason, professionals encourage those who care for the community to also take care of themselves.

Nathan Thompson, from Police Psychology in Arizonacooperates with law enforcement.

“When they see one of their own being injured or having an experience like that, they think, 'That could have been me if I had been there first, if that was my territory or right next to my territory.' That's often their immediate reaction,” Thompson said.

When he heard the news of the shooting, he immediately realized the impact would be enormous.

“It really impacts bosses, colleagues and families. The ripple effects are significant,” he said.

Susan Lewis Simons is the founder of Under the shield – an organization that provides stress training and support for first responders and their families.

She says this attack touched her deeply.

“My immediate reaction was: who's there? I found out which precinct. I knew people there and luckily one of them called and said he was OK, but there were two of him,” she said.

She says it can be difficult for officers to come to terms with the fate of one of their own people fighting for their life, and the situation is particularly overwhelming when it is a long-time friend or colleague.

“People start to take on guilt, and then it goes too far. Families don't understand it and don't know how to respond,” said Lewis Simons.

That is why both experts emphasize that there are resources and that sometimes it can be a great effort to reach out.

“Asking for help doesn’t make you any less tough,” Thompson said.