Watch: Phoenix police officers scream and hit deaf man in body camera footage, sparking criticism

Police officers beat McAlpin (Photo credit: X)

Two police officers shouted orders at a 34-year-old deaf black man and punched him several times during a recent encounter in Phoenix, Arizona, US, a newly published article reveals. body camera footagesparking numerous criticisms. The man, identified as Tyron McAlpinwas lying face down when one of the police officers called him into action.
The incident happened Aug. 19 in a parking lot, where officers responded to allegations that McAlpin tried to steal a bike and assaulted someone. The theft charge has since been dropped by the Maricopa County AttorneyThe office of.
The footage shows McAlpin walking through the parking lot, apparently unaware that the officer is calling to him from a police car. Concentrated on his phone, he only notices the police officer when the police vehicle blocks his path. The officer quickly gets out of the car and a fight ensues.

The footage shows McAlpin raising his arms as the officer charges at him, leading to a scuffle. A second officer arrives, helps pin McAlpin face down and repeatedly orders him to put his hands behind his back. When McAlpin, due to his disability, fails to comply, officers use force, including punches and a Taser, to restrain him.
McAlpin’s wife, Jessica Ulaszek, arrived on the scene and explained to the police: “He is deaf and he suffers from cerebral palsy.. I’m on the phone with him from Circle K.” Despite his explanations, McAlpin was handcuffed and taken into custody. He was then hospitalized as a precaution.
The incident is under internal investigation by the ministry’s Office of Professional Standards.
McAlpin’s lawyer, Jesse Showalter, says the officers violated the Fourth Amendment Rightsstating, as CNN reports, “The officers advanced on Tyron so quickly that no one could have avoided their attack.”
McAlpin now faces two charges serious assault and one count of resisting arrest. Police say McAlpin assumed a “fighting stance” when he was approached, a claim disputed by others who viewed the footage.
THE Phoenix Police The department confirmed that the officers involved remain on active duty and have not been placed on administrative leave.
THE Phoenix Law Enforcement Association said the officers were “immediately attacked” and had “the right to defend themselves using reasonable and necessary force based on the circumstances.”
Public outrage prompted Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell to personally review the case. “Given the attention this case has received, I will personally review the entire file, as well as all video footage,” Mitchell told CNN.
McAlpin’s first pretrial conference is scheduled for Nov. 13, and the trial is scheduled for late February.