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Phoenix Police Officers Disciplined After Controversial Arrest of Deaf Man with Cerebral Palsy
Three Phoenix police officers will face 24-hour, unpaid suspensions and two will undergo additional training following the contentious arrest of a deaf man who has cerebral palsy last year. Police Chief Michael Sullivan announced the disciplinary actions on Wednesday after an internal review of the incident.
Details of the Arrest
The arrest of Tyron McAlpin occurred on August 19, 2024. According to a police report, the incident unfolded after officers responded to a reported altercation at a local convenience store. A man involved in the dispute pointed towards McAlpin, who was walking nearby, while speaking with responding officers, police documents indicate.
Video footage of the incident reveals that McAlpin was apprehended almost immediately upon the officers’ arrival. The footage further depicts McAlpin being struck and subjected to a stun gun during the arrest.
Legal Repercussions and Departmental Review
Subsequently, McAlpin was charged with felony aggravated assault and resisting arrest. However, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell later dismissed these charges in October after a comprehensive review of the case.
McAlpin’s legal representative asserted at the time that the injuries sustained by the officers during the arrest were a direct result of their “frantic and forceful assault on Tyron.”
Following an administrative probe into the circumstances surrounding the arrest, the Phoenix Police Department stated on Wednesday, “The Department identified policy infractions.”
The department’s statement refrained from naming the officers involved. A police spokesperson explained that the officers’ identities are being withheld due to a pending potential appeal process.
Disciplinary Measures
All three officers involved have been handed 24-hour unpaid suspensions. Furthermore, two of the officers are mandated to complete supplementary de-escalation training, according to the department’s announcement.
Authorities clarified that the 24-hour suspension equates to a three-day suspension for officers working eight-hour shifts.
Police Chief’s Statement
Interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan addressed the matter, stating, “Our foremost concern is consistently the safety and welfare of both our community and our officers. We acknowledge the apprehensions raised by this event and are addressing them with utmost seriousness.”
An incident report detailed that the initial police response was triggered by a 911 call reporting a fight at a Circle K store. The caller specified that a white male was the aggressor and was still present inside the establishment, as per the report.
The report further notes that the man then directed authorities to McAlpin, who is Black, and falsely alleged that McAlpin had assaulted him.
Attorney’s Perspective on Police Conduct
Jesse Showalter, McAlpin’s attorney, criticized the police actions as excessive force and pointed out that officers failed to interview the Circle K employee or any witnesses to ascertain the facts of the situation.
Referring to the video evidence, Showalter stated in October, “What is evident is simply Tyron attempting to evade repeated blows to his face from an officer who relentlessly threw punches.”
There is no indication that the officers were aware of McAlpin’s deafness or cerebral palsy prior to the arrest.
Moving Forward
“Our objective is to learn from this occurrence and collaboratively progress towards becoming a more robust department and community,” concluded Interim Chief Sullivan in Wednesday’s statement.
As of late Wednesday afternoon, Showalter had not yet responded to a request for comment sent via email to his law firm.