Authorities dropped all charges against Tyron McAlpin, a deaf Black man with cerebral palsy, who was beaten by Phoenix police after failing to respond to their commands. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced the decision on Thursday, following widespread outrage over the 34-year-old’s treatment by law enforcement.
McAlpin was initially facing two counts of aggravated assault on an officer and resisting arrest after a violent encounter in August. Graphic video footage showed two Phoenix police officers repeatedly striking him and using a Taser when he did not comply with their orders. Following the incident, concerns about the handling of the case were raised by a local NAACP leader, prompting Mitchell to investigate.
In her statement, Mitchell explained that after reviewing the evidence and consulting with senior attorneys and community members, she decided to dismiss all charges against McAlpin. “I have now completed my review and have made the decision to dismiss all remaining charges against Mr. McAlpin,” she said.
The release of body camera footage this week drew national attention, leading many public officials and community advocates to call for the charges to be dropped. Arizona State Senator Anna Hernandez and State Representative Analise Ortiz issued a joint statement condemning the incident, stating, “Tyron is deaf and has cerebral palsy and should never have been subjected to this brutal assault at the hands of police officers.”
They also highlighted the U.S. Department of Justice’s investigation into the Phoenix Police Department, which found systemic issues related to the use of excessive force and racial profiling. Advocates noted that the case underscores the challenges faced by deaf and disabled individuals during encounters with law enforcement, often resulting in misunderstandings and violent outcomes.
Nikki Soukup, public policy director for the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing, pointed out the fears many deaf individuals have when interacting with police, including being misinterpreted or unable to understand commands.
McAlpin’s case is part of a troubling trend where individuals with disabilities face severe consequences when they do not immediately comply with police orders. Similar cases include the 2019 arrest of Brady Mistic, who was also deaf, and the tragic shooting of Magdiel Sanchez in 2017. The pattern of violent encounters raises alarms, particularly for marginalized groups who may struggle to navigate the complexities of police interactions.
Tyron McAlpin survived the brutal encounter, but many others have not been as fortunate. According to a report from the Treatment Advocacy Center, a quarter of people killed by police have mental health conditions. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for systemic changes in how law enforcement engages with individuals who have disabilities or mental health issues.
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