Additional Coverage:
- Video of Phoenix police using a Taser and punching deaf man with cerebral palsy under scrutiny (nbcnews.com)
Arrest of Deaf Man with Cerebral Palsy Sparks Outrage
A deaf Black man with cerebral palsy, Tyron McAlpin, was arrested in Phoenix in August, sparking scrutiny and outrage. Police body camera footage shows officers punching and Tasing McAlpin, despite his disability.
McAlpin was initially charged with aggravated assault and resisting arrest, but the theft charge has since been dismissed. His attorney, Jesse Showalter, has released police footage and claims McAlpin was unaware of the officers’ commands due to his deafness.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has announced a review of the case, saying it deserves “additional scrutiny.” The Phoenix Police Department has also launched an internal investigation.
The Arizona NAACP is demanding the charges against McAlpin be dropped and the officers involved be placed on administrative leave. They argue that McAlpin was not a suspect, had done nothing wrong, and was targeted due to his communication challenges.
The arrest has highlighted concerns about the Phoenix Police Department’s treatment of minorities and people with disabilities. A recent Justice Department report found evidence of discrimination, excessive force, and unlawful detentions by the department.