A Phoenix Police officer died Friday from gunshot wounds he sustained earlier this week while responding to a vehicle break-in, authorities said.
Officer Zane Coolidge was shot on Tuesday when he and Officer Matthew Haney responded to reports of a suspect, later identified as Saul Bal, breaking into a car near McDowell Road and 16th Street.
The 41-year-old suspect took off after spotting the officers and starting shooting at them, striking both. Bal was later arrested by other officers.
Officer Haney was treated and released from the hospital on Wednesday as his colleague fought for his life. Officer Coolidge succumbed on Friday.
The fallen officer had been with the department for five years. He leaves behind a wife and a baby girl.
“Officer Coolidge was a husband, father, son, brother, friend, and a dedicated and beloved member of the Phoenix Police Department,” said Interim Chief of Police Michael Sullivan.
“He has been blanketed in the prayers of this community. Officer Coolidge’s legacy will forever be a part of this community. Officer Coolidge’s legacy will forever be a part of this department.”
