In a recent development involving the Phoenix Police Department, felony charges against Tyron McAlpin, a deaf Black man with cerebral palsy who was beaten and shocked by officers, have been dropped. McAlpin's attorney, Jesse Showalter, is seeking additional documents, including videos, audio recordings, and witness interviews from the city of Phoenix, claiming that withholding these materials violates Arizona's Public Records Law. In an interview provided to FOX 10 Phoenix, Showalter stated, "These officers went wrong from the moment Officer Harris got out of the car." He also pointed out the officers' actions as "extreme and is outrageous," which were clearly seen in the publicly released body camera footage.
In the midst of the contentious situation, both officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave, according to 12News. The incident, which took place in a Dollar Tree parking lot, escalated rapidly after a brief exchange with a white man who accused McAlpin of assault. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell dismissed all charges against McAlpin after completing her review, which included "a large volume of video recordings, police reports, and other materials."
McAlpin, who spent 24 days in jail, was initially charged with three felony counts relating to the incident who the Phoenix PD officers mistaking him for a suspect. The body camera video showed McAlpin being struck repeatedly and tased while on the ground. His girlfriend attempted to explain McAlpin's deafness and cerebral palsy to the officers, a detail that was omitted in the officers' reports.
Showalter is ready to file a public records lawsuit if the requested documents are not released by early November. "We anticipate that if we don’t receive these additional documents, there will be a public records lawsuit in the first week of November," Showalter remarked to FOX 10 Phoenix. Meanwhile, Interim Phoenix Police Chief Michael Sullivan emphasized that the internal investigation is ongoing and urged patience. However, the incident has increased scrutiny of the Phoenix Police Department's accountability and use of force practices.
