Fired Phoenix police officers’ Taser allegedly fired 29 times during ‘off-the-books’ traffic stop

Court records and an initial appearance reveal the full scope of the violent encounter that led to the arrests and firings of two Phoenix police officers last week.

Luis Vasquez Jr. and Antonio Felix, both assigned to the South Mountain Precinct, face charges including kidnapping, aggravated assault, tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution stemming from an Aug. 5 traffic stop near 15th Avenue and Broadway Road.

A download of Felix’s department-issued Axon Taser documented 29 drive-stun discharges during the encounter, according to the probable cause statement.

Two weeks later, both victims still had visible burn marks where they reported the incident.

Court records describe a stop that was aggressive from the start

The officers followed a Dodge Charger with on-and-off police lights and sirens, which is inconsistent with standard practices. The officers then rammed the vehicle’s rear bumper before turning off all overhead lights.

Vasquez broke the car’s window by hand, repeatedly punched the male victim in the head, face, eyes, nose and groin, then drew his handgun, counted down from three and threatened to shoot.

Felix encouraged him to fire if the victim moved.

At Monday’s hearing, prosecutor Tom Van Dorn called it an “off-the-books traffic stop” and told the judge the officers actively concealed the encounter.

When Tempe Police called in a report about the victims’ damaged vehicle, Vasquez and Felix responded to the call themselves, documented it as requiring no action and denied any involvement when questioned by Phoenix dispatch.

Van Dorn said the female victim’s cell phone, which was taken by the officers, was destroyed.

He also argued both defendants are a flight risk and a danger to the victims, describing their police work as specialized knowledge of how to evade law enforcement. Additionally, Van Dorn highlighted that the former officers have already demonstrated a willingness to conceal their conduct and tamper with evidence.

He told the judge the officers had queried the victims’ license plates and retained access to sensitive information, including one of the victim’s address, raising concerns about potential retaliation.

Bond was set at $100,000 for each defendant. Both former officers were found indigent and appointed public defenders.

Mayor Kate Gallego told KTAR News 92.3 FM that city officials are looking at other incidents involving these officers.

A status conference is scheduled for Friday.

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