Body Camera Footage Captures Violent Arrest of Deaf Man in Phoenix
A recently released body camera video has sparked outrage after it shows two Phoenix police officers violently arresting Tyron McAlpin, a 34-year-old deaf man with cerebral palsy. The incident occurred on August 19, when officers responded to a report of a robbery at a Circle K convenience store. The video depicts the officers shouting commands at McAlpin as he lay face down on the ground, with one officer repeatedly punching him while the other deployed a Taser. The Maricopa County District Attorney's Office has since dropped an initial robbery charge against McAlpin, but he now faces charges of aggravated assault and resisting arrest.
Public Outcry and Calls for Justice
The violent nature of the arrest has prompted significant public outcry and criticism of the officers' actions. Disability rights advocates and civil rights organizations have called for the charges against McAlpin to be dropped, emphasizing that he was unable to hear the officers' commands due to his deafness. JJ Rico, CEO of Disability Rights Arizona, stated that the officers failed to consider McAlpin's disability during the confrontation. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has announced she will personally review the case due to the heightened public concern.
Ongoing Investigation and Calls for Reform
The Phoenix Police Department is currently conducting an internal investigation into the incident, which has raised questions about the department's training regarding interactions with individuals who have disabilities. The police union has urged the public to refrain from jumping to conclusions, asserting that the officers acted in self-defense. However, the Arizona NAACP has called for the officers to be placed on administrative leave pending the investigation and for the police department to reform its protocols for engaging with disabled individuals.
