Phoenix Cops Suspended After Beating Deaf Black Man with Cerebral Palsy; Charges Dropped

Two police officers in Phoenix have been placed on administrative leave after a disturbing incident involving a deaf Black man with cerebral palsy. Tyron McAlpin was charged with aggravated assault and resisting arrest following a confrontation in August, which was captured on body camera footage showing him being repeatedly punched and tased by Officers Benjamin Harris and Kyle Sue. The charges against McAlpin were recently dismissed by Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell after a thorough review of video evidence and police reports.

Mitchell’s decision came after a considerable volume of information was submitted to her office, including materials from community organizations such as the local NAACP chapter. Following this development, attorneys representing McAlpin expressed relief, asserting that the charges were unfounded and calling for accountability from the officers involved. Sgt. Phil Krynsky of the Phoenix Police confirmed on Monday that Harris and Sue are now under investigation, which could lead to further actions against them.

Despite the dismissal of McAlpin’s charges, his legal team is still pursuing justice, claiming that the Phoenix authorities have been less than transparent. McAlpin’s lawyer, Jesse Showalter, has renewed requests for additional documentation related to the incident, suggesting that these materials are critical to understanding the case. Allegedly, these documents include video and audio recordings that could potentially undermine the police’s account of events.

The sequence of events leading to McAlpin’s arrest on August 19 involved accusations of him attempting to steal a bicycle. According to police reports, once the officers located him, they claimed he exhibited aggressive behavior. However, McAlpin’s attorneys assert that he was victimized by the officers during the arrest, having sustained numerous blows and multiple tasings. They argue that his inability to comply with the officers was directly related to his deafness, which left him unable to understand the commands being issued.

In addition to calling for an investigation into the actions of the officers, McAlpin’s legal representatives are also pressing for a broader examination of racial bias and the excessive use of force by the Phoenix Police Department. There are concerns surrounding the credibility of the initial complaint made by Derek Stevens, the white man who accused McAlpin of assault. Reports from the Circle K where the incident allegedly began indicate that Stevens was causing disturbances prior to McAlpin’s arrival. Surveillance footage contradicts Stevens’ claims, raising questions about the legitimacy of his allegations against McAlpin.

As the situation continues to unfold, the community watches closely, hoping that this incident will lead to necessary reforms and greater accountability in law enforcement practices. The call for federal oversight of the Phoenix Police Department adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about policing, racism, and the treatment of individuals with disabilities. Tyron McAlpin’s story serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for change in how such incidents are handled moving forward.