Phoenix, Arizona – Three Phoenix police officers are facing consequences for the arrest of Tyron McAlpin, a deaf man with cerebral palsy. The incident, which occurred last year, involved McAlpin being punched and shocked with a stun gun almost immediately after police arrived on the scene. The arrest stemmed from a misidentification by a man involved in a fight at a convenience store, who pointed to McAlpin as officers were speaking with him.
Following an administrative investigation, the Phoenix Police Department identified policy violations in the arrest of McAlpin. As a result, the officers involved received 24-hour, unpaid suspensions. In addition, two of the officers will undergo additional de-escalation training to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell dismissed the charges against McAlpin in October, citing the review of the case. McAlpin’s attorney criticized the officers’ actions during the arrest, stating that their injuries were a result of a “frenzied and violent attack on Tyron.”
The three officers involved in the incident were not identified in the statement released by the police department, as an appeal process is still pending. The department emphasized its commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of both the community and its officers, acknowledging the concerns raised by the incident.
McAlpin’s attorney, Jesse Showalter, filed a lawsuit against the city of Phoenix and the three officers involved in the arrest, alleging battery, negligence, and violations of constitutional protections. Showalter criticized the department’s decision to issue 24-hour suspensions, deeming them insufficient given the circumstances of the arrest.
The lawsuit seeks damages, including punitive damages against the officers, although no specific dollar amount was specified. Interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan stated that the department aims to learn from the incident and move forward as a stronger department and community. Despite the suspensions, Showalter believes that the city is attempting to avoid accountability for unconstitutional practices that harm citizens.