Phoenix police officers were captured on body camera footage repeatedly punching and shocking a deaf Black man with a Taser nearly two months ago. The incident took place when officers responded to a call reporting that the man had committed an assault at a convenience store. The man in question, identified as Tyron Scott McAlpin, 34, has since been charged with felony resisting arrest and aggravated assault following the encounter on August 19. McAlpin has pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.
During the encounter, Officer Benjamin Harris reportedly sustained a hand injury while Officer Kyle Sue was bitten by McAlpin during the struggle, as seen in the officers’ body camera recordings. At a court hearing, Harris mentioned that the situation could have been avoided if McAlpin had indicated his deafness. The officers’ races were not disclosed in police reports.
The Phoenix Police Department has yet to comment on the incident following a request for a statement. The caller who reported the initial assault, a white individual, alleged that McAlpin had punched him in the face. Upon locating McAlpin in a nearby parking lot, an officer immediately engaged with him, leading to the physical confrontation.
While McAlpin was arrested on suspicion of assaulting the individual who contacted the police, he has not been formally charged in relation to that specific assault. The Phoenix Police Department has launched an internal investigation into the incident. This department has faced previous accusations from the U.S. Justice Department for discriminatory practices against Black, Hispanic, and Native American individuals, as well as allegations of using excessive force.
Despite stating a commitment to reform within the police department, the city of Phoenix has been reluctant to enter into a consent decree with the Justice Department. The incident involving the deaf Black man and the officers is now under scrutiny, highlighting ongoing concerns about police conduct and treatment of marginalized communities.