Body camera film shows that over two months ago, when Phoenix police responded to a call that a deaf Black man had assaulted a convenience store, they repeatedly pummeled and shocked the guy with a Taser.
Tyron Scott McAlpin, 34, has been charged with aggravated assault and felony evading arrest in connection with the interaction with the officers on August 19.
He entered a not guilty plea to the accusations.
According to police, during the altercation, which was captured on the officers’ body cams, McAlpin bit Officer Kyle Sue’s hand and Officer Benjamin Harris injured his hand when he struck McAlpin.
Police reports did not specify the race of either officer.
During a hearing, Harris stated that if McAlpin had simply stated that he was deaf, all of this could have been prevented. The white man who contacted the police claimed that McAlpin, who was passing by, had punched him in the face.
When an officer spotted McAlpin in a nearby parking lot, he got out of his patrol car and instantly put his hands on him, starting a struggle.
Although he is not facing any charges, McAlpin was detained on suspicion of assaulting the man who contacted the police. According to the agency, the interaction was referred to its internal affairs branch for inquiry.
Read Also: Haunted Hayride Turns Tragic: 13-Year-Old Boy Loses Life in Minnesota
The U.S. Justice Department accused the Phoenix Police Department of using excessive force, including unnecessary deadly force, unjustly detaining homeless individuals, and discriminating against Black, Hispanic, and Native American persons.
Although it has stated that it is dedicated to reforming its police force, the city has opposed attempts to engage into a consent decree with the Justice Department.
AP News: Phoenix officers punched and shocked a deaf Black man, body camera footage shows
