Phoenix Deaf Man Victorious as Charges Dropped Following Police Altercation
Charges have been waived for a Black deaf man with cerebral palsy who was punched and tased by police officers in Phoenix. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced the decision to dismiss all charges against the 34-year-old Tyron McAlpin after scrutinising bodycam footage of the incident on August 19.
The footage captured officers confronting McAlpin in a parking lot, with one officer aggressively grabbing him, leading to a physical altercation where McAlpin was restrained, punched, and Tasered. Initially facing charges of resisting arrest and aggravated assault, McAlpin can now breathe a sigh of relief as all charges have been dropped.
Expressing joy on behalf of McAlpin and his family, one of his attorneys, Jesse Showalter, condemned the unjust charges brought against his client. Showalter highlighted this case as shedding light on larger issues within the city of Phoenix and its police culture, aiming to seek accountability and justice from the authorities.
The Phoenix Police Department had previously come under scrutiny in a report by the Justice Department, which found discriminatory practices against Black, Hispanic, Native American individuals, as well as those with disabilities. The report highlighted the department’s routine use of excessive force.
Following the incident, officers Benjamin Harris and Kyle Sue, who were involved in McAlpin’s arrest, are under investigation, as confirmed by the Professional Standards Bureau. Despite the charges against McAlpin being dropped, the officers remain in active service within the police force.
The encounter between McAlpin and the police stemmed from an accusation by a white man in a Circle K store, claiming McAlpin attempted to steal his bike, resulting in a physical altercation. However, McAlpin faces no charges related to these allegations, with video footage capturing the distressing arrest scene.
As the case unfolds, the community anticipates further developments and reforms within the Phoenix Police Department. McAlpin’s case serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of accountability and justice in law enforcement practices.