PHOENIX — Phoenix police say an officer is in critical condition and another has been released after being shot Tuesday evening.
Officers responded to the area of 16th Street and McDowell Road around 6:25 p.m. for reports of a person breaking into a vehicle.
See video from the scene still under investigation Wednesday morning:
When authorities arrived, the suspect took off running and jumped a wall, and officers began a foot pursuit where they "were met by gunfire."
"One officer was saved by his ballistic vest, the second is fighting for his life," said Phoenix Police Chief Michael Sullivan during a press conference.
One of the involved officers returned fire but did not strike the suspect.
The suspect reportedly took off on foot after shooting the officers. Aerial footage showed multiple streets closed as officers searched the area for the suspect Tuesday night.
Phoenix police announced Wednesday evening, one of the officers was released from the hospital and will continue his recovery at home.
🚨Update🚨
— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) September 5, 2024
Sgt. Phil Krynsky gives an update on the two #PHXPD officers that were shot in the line of duty last night. We want to thank the community for their support and prayers during this difficult time. Please follow our social media for the latest updates. pic.twitter.com/iN5JhgY0FK
"The officers have been with the Department five and two years respectively. Both are certified Field Training Officers in the Mountain View Precinct who help to train those who have just graduated the academy," read a release.
The suspect, who has since been identified as 41-year-old Saul Bal, was eventually taken into custody. Police say Bal has been booked into jail on numerous charges, including attempted murder.
Bal appeared in court Wednesday morning and a judge set a $2 million cash-only bond.
During his initial court hearing, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office said Bal has a "lengthy criminal history" including at least two alleged offenses against officers.
A judge said he was on parole for a separate offense at the time of the shooting and his parole was set to expire on Thursday.
Bal is set to appear in court again next week.
ABC15 crews spoke with a man who said he saw one officer performing CPR on another for several minutes.
We spoke with a few of the guys at the barber shop across the street from where the shooting was near 16th St and McDowell. One man told us he saw one cop performing CPR on another cop for multiple minutes @abc15 pic.twitter.com/iNCYINvqtH
— Marissa Sarbak (@MarissaSarbak) September 4, 2024
“Our officers have been met by gunfire 11 times this year,” added Chief Sullivan.
Police say there is no immediate threat to the community.
The investigation remains ongoing.