Charges against a deaf Black man who was punched and shocked with a Taser by police officers in Phoenix have been dismissed. The incident, involving Tyron Scott McAlpin, 34, occurred when officers responded to a call reporting an assault at a convenience store.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced the dismissal of felony charges of resisting arrest and aggravated assault against McAlpin. The decision came after concerns were raised by the local NAACP chapter regarding McAlpin’s arrest. Mitchell stated that she reviewed numerous videos, police reports, and other materials related to the case.
Officer Benjamin Harris reportedly sustained a hand injury while dealing with McAlpin, who in turn bit Officer Kyle Sue during the altercation captured on body cameras. At a court hearing, Harris mentioned that the situation could have been avoided if McAlpin had indicated his deafness.
McAlpin’s attorney, Jesse Showalter, argued that the officers failed to de-escalate the situation and did not realize McAlpin was deaf. The officers involved have stated that McAlpin did not communicate his hearing impairment to them. The incident is under investigation by the Phoenix Police Department’s internal affairs unit.
The arrest stemmed from a report that McAlpin had assaulted a man. However, McAlpin was not charged with this assault. The encounter has shed light on allegations of discrimination and excessive force within the Phoenix Police Department, as well as resistance to reforms proposed by the U.S. Justice Department.
The officers involved have been reported to have used force in self-defence, with the incident sparking debates around police conduct and treatment of individuals with disabilities. The internal investigation will seek to determine the sequence of events and any breaches of protocol during the arrest.
McAlpin’s case highlights the importance of effective communication and de-escalation techniques in law enforcement interactions, particularly when dealing with individuals with disabilities. The dismissal of charges signifies a significant development in the ongoing dialogue surrounding police accountability and the fair treatment of all individuals within the criminal justice system.