PHOENIX (AZFamilie) — A police officer is fighting for his life, while a second officer has been released from the hospital after a police shooting in downtown Phoenix on Tuesday.

A suspect, later identified as 41-year-old Saul Bal, has been arrested and is now charged with attempted manslaughter.

It began just before 6:30 p.m. at 16th Street and McDowell Road, when Phoenix Police Chief Michael Sullivan said two officers responded to reports of someone breaking into a vehicle. When officers arrived, the suspect ran away and jumped a fence, Sullivan said.

“Officers gave chase and were met with gunfire,” he said.

Both officers were shot and rushed to Banner University Medical Center, just a few blocks away.

“One officer was saved by his bulletproof vest,” Sullivan said. That officer is in stable condition and was released from the hospital Wednesday evening.

His partner is still in critical condition.

One of the officers has been with the department for five years and the other has two years of experience with PPD.

“I ask the community to keep both officers and their families in their thoughts and prayers. I also want to express my gratitude to the men and women of the Phoenix Police Department who, even in the face of danger, are dedicated to keeping this community safe,” said Interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan.

Both officers are assigned to the Mountain View Precinct.

“The support we have received from the public and community partners has been unwavering. We appreciate the thoughts and encouragement for our officers as they continue to do their jobs, knowing one of their own remains in the hospital,” said Mountain View Precinct Commander Leif Myers.

PLEA Charities has set up a donation drive for those who would like to support the officers and their families. Click/tap here to donate.

Donors can put “critical incident Phoenix” in the name field and 100% of the donations will go directly to the officers and their families. PLEA will cover any administrative costs or fees.

Donations are also being accepted through the Phoenix Police Foundation. Click/tap here to donate through PPF.

According to police, an officer returned fire, but Bal was not hit. Bal then fled on foot, but officers nearby were able to arrest him.

Investigators gathered evidence throughout the night and early morning. Detectives recovered a firearm believed to be the weapon Bal used.

Bal is being held in the Maricopa County Jail on multiple felony charges, including two counts of attempted murder. His cash-only bail has been set at $2 million. Police say Bal has a violent criminal history.

“It’s miraculous that he’s still with us and it’s just a testament to his fight,” said Darrell Kriplean, president of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association. “He’s a young officer, you know, I can’t imagine what his family is going through.”

Kriplean also provided an update on the other officer who was injured.

“We were told last night that the vest stopped the bullet, but in fact the bullet was able to enter his chest cavity because it went between two panels,” he explained. “So he’s still in the hospital because that bullet is still inside him.”

“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,” Sullivan said as he spoke to hospital officials joined by city and county leaders outside the hospital.

The outpouring of support for the shooting of two people who protect and serve this community has been overwhelming.

Video from Arizona’s Family News helicopter showed crime scene tape around a parking lot in the area. A heavy police presence also was seen in the neighborhoods near 16th Street and McDowell Road, just west of state Route 51.

“This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officers face every day as they work tirelessly to keep our community safe,” said District 6 City Councilmember Kevin Robinson. “I urge all residents to support not only these officers, but all members of our police force who continue to serve with courage and dedication.”

Kriplean released a statement after the shooting calling Bal a “cowardly career criminal” and the situation “heartbreaking.” He said it was frustrating to see violence against law enforcement officers on the rise.

“You hear about police officers getting shot every day and you wonder what it will take to stop this insanity,” Kriplean told Arizona’s Family.

Kriplean also expressed his anger that someone like Bal is still in the community despite serious criminal convictions.

“I don’t really want to talk about the defendant because he doesn’t deserve our breath, but I can tell you it’s horrible that someone with such a long criminal history like he’s allowed to be in society and continue to do so. I mean, he’s shown that he’s a burden on society, not a positive influence,” Kriplean said.

Governor Katie Hobbs said on X, formerly known as Twitterthat she was devastated when she heard about the shooting.

“My thoughts are with the officers, their families and the entire law enforcement community at this time,” she said.

She added that the Arizona Department of Public Safety was willing to assist in the investigation.

“My prayers go out to the two injured Phoenix police officers and their families,” Maricopa County District Attorney Rachel Mitchell posted on social media.

Documents show Bal has been convicted of attempted burglary and drug-related crimes in other parts of the state since 2007. He is also prohibited from possessing a gun.

His conditional release from a previous conviction was due to expire on Thursday.

This is the 39th officer-involved shooting in Maricopa County this year and the 66th shooting in the state.

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