PHOENIX, AZ — A Phoenix police officer was shot in the line of duty Tuesday night.
Officer Zane Coolidge, who had been with the Phoenix Police Department for five years, died Friday afternoon after being hospitalized for several days.
The video in the player above contains earlier coverage of the shooting.
The shooting occurred near 16th Street and McDowell Road when officers made contact with a man who may have been breaking into a vehicle.
Two police officers, Coolidge and Matthew Haney, were shot during the ordeal. Haney was released from the hospital on Wednesday and continues to recover at home.
Coolidge spent several days in the hospital before dying on Friday.
The suspect, 41-year-old Saul Bal, was arrested after the shooting and jailed on numerous charges, including attempted murder.
During Bal’s first court hearing, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office said Bal had a “lengthy criminal history,” including at least two alleged offenses against police officers.
The investigation is ongoing.
“Our officers have been shot 11 times this year,” said Phoenix Police Chief Michael Sullivan. “It makes me angry, and I hope you share my anger.”
After Coolidge’s death, acting police chief Michael Sullivan sent the following statement:
It is with a heavy heart and incredible sadness that I announce the passing of Phoenix Police Officer Zane Coolidge #10914.
Officer Coolidge was a husband, father, son, brother, friend and a dedicated and beloved member of the Phoenix Police Department.
Since the shooting Tuesday night, Officer Coolidge has fought bravely despite the odds being against him.
He was surrounded by his loved ones and wrapped in the prayers of this community. The hurt he suffered at the hands of another’s cowardly actions was simply too much for him to overcome. Officer Coolidge’s legacy will forever be part of this department.
Officer Coolidge’s family is suffering unimaginable grief. We will do everything we can to help them in their darkest hours and we promise that they will always be a part of the Phoenix Police Family. I ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
This is a very difficult time for our department as well. We have felt the overwhelming support of our community over the past few days and we know that support will remain unwavering.
We will hold our heads high and make our fallen colleagues proud by continuing to serve our community with the courage and integrity that Is Phoenix Police Department.
Interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan
The Phoenix Law Enforcement Association is hosting a charity barbecue for Officer Coolidge’s family on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the PLEA headquarters at 1102 W Adams Street.
Anyone who would like to help but cannot attend the barbecue can do so by making a donation to the The Phoenix Police Foundation can be found online here.
Following the announcement of Coolidge’s death, various Valley officials released statements:
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego
“I am devastated by the tragic loss of Officer Zane Coolidge, who lost his life while keeping us all safe from harm. I know our entire community is mourning this loss, and on behalf of the City, I want to extend my deepest condolences to Officer Coolidge’s family and friends, as well as his brothers and sisters at the Phoenix Police Department. We will forever honor and remember his courage and selfless service to our community.
Our police officers are the best of us. They put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect us, and this loss is a stark reminder that serving in uniform comes with tremendous risk – and sometimes the ultimate sacrifice. We are actively working to ensure justice is served and will continue to support our first responders and law enforcement officers who uphold the law.”
District Attorney Rachel Mitchell
It breaks my heart to hear of the passing of a hero: Officer Zane Coolidge. He recently left his home and family to protect us and was fatally shot. My prayers are with his family, friends and @PhoenixPolice https://t.co/F23lDAgRcW
– Maricopa County District Attorney Rachel Mitchell (@Rachel1Mitchell) 7 September 2024
Representative Matt Gress
Deeply heartbreaking news of the death of Phoenix police officer Zane Coolidge.
Please join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to Officer Coolidge’s wife and family during this time of great sorrow.
May Officer Coolidge rest in peace. @azplea @PhoenixPolice https://t.co/5KGQBXFGPw
— Matt Gress (@MatthewGress) 7 September 2024
Representative Ruben Gallego
Sydney and I mourn the loss of Officer Zane Coolidge, who dedicated his life to protecting others and the safety of our community.
Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues.https://t.co/KBaqLupScd
— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) 7 September 2024
Lake Kari
My heart breaks to hear of the passing of Officer Zane Coolidge.
A young husband and father with his whole life ahead of him was taken from this world by a career criminal.
May God comfort and bless his family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/zGJvHxvQL1
— Kari Lake (@KariLake) 7 September 2024
Mayor of Gilbert, Brigette Peterson
My heart breaks to hear of the passing of Officer Zane Coolidge.
God bless his family, friends and the Phoenix Police Department during this difficult time. https://t.co/kaiXv3oCFw
— Mayor Brigette Peterson (@GilbertAZMayor) 7 September 2024
