The Phoenix Police Department is facing intense scrutiny after Tyron McAlpin, a Black man who is deaf and has cerebral palsy, was allegedly beaten and tased by officers during an incident on August 19. Body camera footage obtained by NPR from McAlpin's lawyer shows the encounter, which began when police officers responded to a call about an altercation and instead targeted McAlpin based on an uncorroborated accusation. Echoing the widely-felt public dismay, McAlpin's lawyer, Jesse Showalter, emphasized, "The surveillance and body camera videos show that Officers Harris and Sue immediately used unnecessary force against Tyron," according to WBAA.
Shortly after the situation unfolded, McAlpin, who spent 24 days in jail due to an inability to post bail initially, saw the felony charges against him dropped. This decision followed a widespread call for a review of the case, including from leaders of the NAACP and other community members. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office confirmed the dismissal of charges, stating there had been a comprehensive review of the entire evidence file and video recordings. "I have now completed my review and have made the decision to dismiss all remaining charges against Mr. McAlpin," said Maricopa County Attorney Rachell Mitchell, in a statement obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix.
The Professional Standards Bureau of the Phoenix PD has opened an internal investigation into the officers' conduct during the arrest. However, skepticism persists as Showalter expressed a lack of faith in the department's ability to police itself, given publicized reports of disproportional violence against marginalized communities by Phoenix officers, as per FOX 10 Phoenix. In the wake of the incident, Interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan assured the community that accountability remains a cornerstone for the department, even as the involved officers continue in their assigned duties while the investigation is ongoing.
