All charges have been dropped against Tyron McAlpin, a deaf Black man with cerebral palsy who was shocked with a Taser and punched by Phoenix police officers during an arrest in August. McAlpin was initially charged with aggravated assault and resisting arrest, as well as theft for allegedly stealing a cell phone. The Maricopa County Attorney, Rachel Mitchell, reviewed the case and decided to dismiss all charges after examining body camera footage and other evidence.
The incident at a Circle K convenience store led to McAlpin being pursued and arrested by police officers who claimed he did not respond to verbal commands due to his deafness. The body camera footage showed officers tasering McAlpin, punching him, and handcuffing him despite his disabilities. The charges were dropped after the review of the case by Mitchell, who received feedback from community members and legal experts.
McAlpin’s attorney has requested additional footage and plans to file a lawsuit if the information is not provided. This incident adds to the controversy surrounding the Phoenix Police Department, which was found by the Justice Department to discriminate against minority groups and use excessive force. The release of the body camera footage has raised questions about the use of force by police officers and the treatment of individuals with disabilities in law enforcement encounters.
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