The arrest of Tyron McAlpin, a deaf Black man with cerebral palsy in Phoenix in August by officers Benjamin Harris and Kyle Sue has sparked controversy. McAlpin was repeatedly punched and Tased during his arrest, which has raised concerns about police brutality and discrimination within the Phoenix Police Department. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has announced that she will personally review the case, saying that it merits further scrutiny following public outcry.
The incident began when Harris responded to a call of a fight at a convenience store and encountered a man who accused McAlpin of assaulting him. Harris attempted to arrest McAlpin, who is deaf, leading to a violent confrontation captured on body camera footage. McAlpin’s attorney has denied that he bit the officers during the altercation. After McAlpin’s wife arrived at the scene and informed the officers of his disabilities, they did not inform him and continued to detain him.
McAlpin was charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and theft, but the theft charge was later dismissed. His attorney is working to have the remaining charges dropped, while also seeking additional evidence related to the case. The Arizona NAACP has called for the officers involved to be placed on administrative leave and for the charges against McAlpin to be dropped. The organization also demands that the police department improve its protocols for interacting with people with disabilities.
The incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of discrimination and excessive force within the Phoenix Police Department, which has been highlighted in a Justice Department report released earlier this year. The NAACP and McAlpin’s attorney are working to seek justice and accountability in this case.
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