Tyron McAlpin, a Black deaf man with cerebral palsy, faces felony aggravated assault and resisting arrest charges after being violently apprehended by Phoenix police officers. The incident, captured on body camera footage, reveals Officers Benjamin Harris and Kyle Sue punching McAlpin at least 10 times, using a Taser four times, and wrapping their arms around his neck. McAlpin's attorneys argue the arrest is unjust, as McAlpin could not comply due to his disabilities. "He's deaf. He couldn't understand what they were doing," said attorney Jesse Showalter.
The incident began when Circle K employees called to report a white man causing issues and refusing to leave the store. While being trespassed, the man alleged that a Black man, McAlpin, had assaulted him and pointed across the street at him. Despite McAlpin's girlfriend informing the officers about his disabilities, this was not documented in their reports. The officers claim McAlpin took a fighting stance and attempted to flee. Officer Harris testified, "What that communicated to me is that I was about to get assaulted, not that someone was giving up."
During a preliminary hearing, Maricopa County Superior Court Commissioner Nick Saccone found probable cause for the charges to proceed, despite defense arguments that the officers' use of force was excessive. Officer Sue's body camera fell off during the arrest, raising further questions about the accuracy of his testimony regarding a bite he claimed to have received from McAlpin.
The incident raises concerns about racial bias, excessive force, and the treatment of people with disabilities within the Phoenix Police Department. This comes two months after a Department of Justice report highlighted systemic failures in the department, including racial bias and dangerous use of Tasers and chokeholds. Phoenix Police officials confirmed that the incident is under internal investigation, though they continue to press charges against McAlpin. Phoenix Law Enforcement Association President Darrell Kriplean defended the officers, stating they acted in self-defense, urging the public not to rush to judgment until all evidence is reviewed.
Link: ABC 15
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