PHOENIX — Two Phoenix police officers are in the hospital after being shot in the line of duty Tuesday night while responding to a call about a person trying to break into a car. One of the officers was in stable condition and the other was in critical condition at the last report from the department.
On Wednesday, the Phoenix Police Department released information about how the community can donate to support the officers by visiting the PLEA Charities website.
"100% of the donations go directly to the officers and their families, PLEA covers all administrative costs or fees," the department said.
Donors should put "critical Phoenix incident" in the space asking for the officer's name, as their names have not yet been released.
The Phoenix Police Foundation has also set up a page for donations for the officers.
Saul Bal, 41, was accused of the shooting after being confronted by police during an alleged attempted vehicle break-in. Records show that Bal has a lengthy history of prior convictions.
In addition to drug-related convictions in Navajo, Yuma and Pinal counties, Bal was also charged with attempted burglar and disorderly conduct in Navajo County. He is now facing two attempted murder charges in connection with Tuesday night's shooting.
According to Arizona Department of Correction records, Bal had been admitted into prison in April 2024 and was moved to community supervision on July 19. His sentence was set to end on Sept. 5, two days after the shooting.
Bal is being held on a $2 million cash-only bond.
“This is a terrible night for the Phoenix Police Department and for those who love and care for our officers and for members of our community,” said Phoenix Police Chief Mike Sullivan during a news conference following the shooting.
Sullivan said the officer who is in stable condition was "saved by his ballistic vest."
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