Prosecutors dismiss charges against deaf man subpoenaed by Phoenix officers

PHOENIX (AZFamille) — The Maricopa County District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday that all charges were dismissed in the case against Tyron McAlpin, who appeared to have been punched multiple times and charged by Phoenix police officers during a arrest in August.

McAlpin, who is deaf and has cerebral palsy, was charged with several misdemeanors as he was accused of assaulting someone, aggravated assault on police officers and resisting arrest.

Body camera video footage obtained by Arizona’s Family and other media outlets showed how the incident unfolded, which immediately drew criticism from community activists, including the NAACP.

“I promised that I would personally review the case, including a large number of video recordings, police reports and other documents that have been forwarded to my office,” the Maricopa County District Attorney said. , Rachel Michell, in a written statement. “On Tuesday this week, I also convened a large gathering of senior attorneys and community members to hear their opinions on this matter. I have now completed my review and have made the decision to dismiss all remaining charges against Mr. McAlpin.

In body-worn footage, an officer is seen immediately attacking McAlpin. A nearby security camera shows the officer driving in front of him as he walks before the officer pulls him over.

According to the police report, that’s when McAlpin fought back at the officers. Another officer arrived on scene, but his body camera went missing during the incident.

The police report revealed that officers were investigating an assault that occurred at a nearby Circle K and that McAlpin matched the description of the suspect.

A statement released by the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association sided with the officers in question, adding that the media had had “biased reporting.”

“While some in the media talk about race and discrimination, it is actually two police officers in full Phoenix police uniform, driving fully marked police cars, who are immediately attacked by someone who allegedly committed a crime,” police said. the union said. “Our officers have the right to defend themselves against an attack using force that is reasonable and necessary based on the circumstances presented at the time.”

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