Video Exposes Phoenix Police Assault on Deaf Black Man with Cerebral Palsy Facing Felony Charges

Tyron McAlpin faces felony charges for assaulting police officers and resisting arrest. His legal team argues these charges should be dismissed.

PHOENIX — A newly released video captures the distressing moment when Tyron McAlpin, a Black man who is deaf and has cerebral palsy, was violently subdued by Phoenix police officers in August. The incident has reignited discussions about police conduct, especially in cases involving vulnerable individuals.

According to reports, police were summoned to a Circle K parking lot following a fight initiated by a white man. McAlpin’s attorney, Jesse Showalter, criticized the officers for their lack of investigation, stating they took the accusations made by the alleged victim without due diligence.

The altercation occurred in a Dollar Tree parking lot, where the released video begins. Showalter noted that the confrontation escalated almost immediately upon the officers’ arrival, with one officer attempting to physically apprehend McAlpin.

Footage depicts the officers using both punches and a taser against McAlpin. Showalter emphasized that McAlpin was merely trying to protect himself from repeated strikes. While on the ground, video evidence shows McAlpin being tased multiple times despite commands being issued by the officers, further complicating the narrative.

McAlpin’s girlfriend attempted to inform the officers of his conditions, yet this vital information was not included in the police reports. Phoenix police confirmed that the incident is under investigation, currently being processed by the Professional Standards Bureau.

The gravity of the situation has prompted outrage from McAlpin’s legal team and community advocates. Attorney Showalter expressed concern about the implications of the felony charges and what they could mean for McAlpin’s rights as a citizen. A Maricopa County judge recently ruled that sufficient probable cause existed for the charges to proceed, despite significant public outcry.

During a lengthy hearing, officers detailed their injuries sustained during the incident, with one officer claiming McAlpin bit him. They maintained that McAlpin resisted arrest at every turn. This account has faced scrutiny, particularly given the broader context of police investigations in Phoenix.

In a statement, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell acknowledged community concerns and pledged to personally review the case, including all video evidence. This commitment comes amid renewed calls for accountability within the Phoenix Police Department.

In response, the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association defended the officers involved, urging the public to reserve judgment until all evidence has been thoroughly reviewed. However, critics, including Showalter, view this incident as representative of systemic issues within the department.

Last month, the Phoenix City Council passed various reforms intended to enhance police accountability, particularly in light of findings from a Department of Justice investigation. Council members Carlos Galindo-Elvira and Kevin Robinson have expressed their deep concern regarding the details of the McAlpin footage, advocating for increased transparency and procedural changes in how such incidents are handled.

Robinson, a retired assistant chief with the department, has emphasized the necessity for reforms that prioritize both training for officers and effective protocols for addressing allegations of misconduct. The council’s actions suggest a growing recognition of the need for significant change in policing practices moving forward.