ARIZONA NEWS

Here’s what Phoenix leaders are saying about police behavior during arrest of Tyron McAlpin

Oct 17, 2024, 9:11 AM | Updated: Oct 18, 2024, 6:06 am

PHOENIX – City leaders are responding to allegations that Phoenix Police officers used excessive force while arresting Tyron McAlpin, a deaf Black man with cerebral palsy.

Reporting by ABC15 sparked a controversy surrounding the Aug. 19 incident, which has garnered national and international media coverage.

Officers were acting on what turned out to be false information from a white man when they used a Taser on McAlpin, 34, and punched him multiple times in the head.

Body-worn camera and surveillance video footage appears to show an officer initiating the altercation as soon as he exited his patrol truck in a parking lot on Indian School Road near 12th Street.

McAlpin now faces charges of resisting arrest and aggravated assault. He has pleaded not guilty. (UPDATE: Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced Wednesday evening that all the charges against McAlpin were being dropped.)

One of the arresting officers said in court that the situation could have been avoided if McAlpin indicated he was deaf, according to ABC15.

Jesse Showalter, an attorney representing McAlpin, said the first officer to make contact with McAlpin wasn’t able to figure out he was deaf because the officer took no steps to deescalate the situation and instead immediately starting using force.

Phoenix police said in statement Tuesday, “There was nothing that the officers were told or witnessed to indicate Mr. McAlpin was hearing impaired.”

Mayor responds to Tyron McAlpin incident

A week after ABC15 first reported about the incident, Mayor Kate Gallego provided the following statement to the station on Wednesday:

I have watched the body-camera footage from a police interaction with Tyron McAlpin. I share the deep concern we’ve heard from some in our community, and this incident warrants a full and thorough investigation. Both the Professional Standards Bureau and the Force Evaluation Review Unit have opened investigations, and I expect them to offer complete analysis, thorough conclusions, and recommendations.

Beyond these bodies of review, the City Council and I remain committed to fostering community trust, and we continue our work to further accountability and transparency within our Department. Just a few weeks ago, the Council unanimously approved key police reform recommendations to better document police activity and enhance data collection, as well as improve the department’s internal investigations and evaluative processes. That work is ongoing and important, and as the investigative process for this incident takes place, we will not lose sight of our improvement efforts.

Incident occurred after DOJ accused Phoenix PD of civil rights violations

The incident occurred while the city is facing the potential consequences of a yearslong Department of Justice investigation into civil rights violations by the Phoenix Police Department.

The DOJ findings were released in a June report that documented patterns of unjustified excessive force and discrimination against people of color, among other alleged civil rights violations.

The department now faces the prospect of a consent decree, which would create federal oversight of reform efforts, something city officials are fighting.

Interim Chief Michael Sullivan released the following statement on Wednesday:

Since I took the job as Interim Chief of the Phoenix Police Department, I have talked a lot about striving to be a self-assessing, self-correcting agency. That means taking a serious look at cases that may call into question the actions of our officers. There are many who are concerned after seeing the video of officers’ interaction with a man they later learned was disabled. I recognize the video is disturbing and raises a lot of questions. I want to assure the community we will get answers to those questions.

Shortly after this incident, the Professional Standard Bureau launched an internal investigation into this incident. Their work is important to ensure all facts are known before drawing any conclusions. I ask for the public’s patience during that process. Once the investigation is complete, I will personally review the findings and take appropriate action. The PSB investigation will also be reviewed by the Office of Accountability and Transparency as well as the Civilian Review Board to ensure it is thorough and complete.

Accountability for our actions as a Police Department is paramount as we work every day to build and maintain the trust of the community we serve.

What are other city officials saying about Tyron McAlpin case?

Several members of the City Council released statements about the incident this week. Here are some excerpts:

Debra Stark, District 3 and vice mayor:

I am very disheartened after watching the video and learning about the events involving the Phoenix Police Department and Mr. McAlpin. Disability awareness and accessibility is one of my highest priorities; I am saddened that Mr. McAlpin’s disabilities were not accommodated for nor taken into consideration, especially since Phoenix City Council was assured by the Phoenix Police Department that police officers receive training on the appropriate ways to interact specifically with individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing.

I expect a thorough investigation into this interaction that is completed promptly. I am hopeful that we will get answers on what transpired and how to ensure that situations like these do not occur in the future.

Kevin Robinson, District 6, who spent 35 years on the Phoenix Police Department:

I understand that the footage has raised questions, and I want to assure the public that transparency and accountability are of the utmost importance.

This summer, the Department of Justice released recommended remedial measures designed to ensure constitutional policing. One suggested reform is to ‘Ensure Consistent Processes for Investigating Misconduct.’ Now is the time to prove to our residents that our City’s Police Department will ensure allegations of misconduct are fully examined.

Carlos Galindo-Elvira, District 7:

The City of Phoenix has an obligation to those involved and to our residents, to expeditiously conduct the process of uncovering the facts of this interaction.

Last month, I voted to support an improvement plan that includes tangible steps toward improving the investigations process of the Police Department with the goal of outlining how the department is capable of self-regulating. Now, with the world watching, it is time to prove that Phoenix is committed to being transparent and accountable.

As we move forward, I ask for your understanding while the necessary review takes place. The priority is to get to the truth while maintaining the integrity of the investigative process. Your voices matter, and I am listening.

Kesha Hodge Washington, District 8:

Like many Phoenix residents, I have seen the footage of the police interaction involving Tyron McAlpin. While I cannot comment on the specifics of this case as the investigation is still ongoing, the footage, on its face, is very concerning. A full investigation is underway, and I expect it to be comprehensive with clear and detailed findings, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations.

This incident unfortunately reignites distrust in our community. As a city, we must take into account how to rebuild and maintain community trust, which is essential for the effective functioning of our institutions.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Here’s what Phoenix leaders are saying about police behavior during arrest of Tyron McAlpin