The attorney for a man whose videotaped arrest made national headlines has filed a civil complaint against Phoenix and three police officers.
The complaint alleges Tyron McAlpin, who is deaf and has cerebral palsy, was attacked and shocked with a taser after an officer verbally ordered him to stop walking.
Jesse Showalter, McAlpin’s attorney, said his client couldn’t hear police commands and never should have been handcuffed, tased and jailed for 23 days.
The complaint, which initiates a lawsuit, claims two officers beat McAlpin after responding to a call about another man trespassing at a store. That man claimed McAlpin assaulted him. McAlpin was not charged over that allegation, but did face charges of resisting arrest and aggravated assault on officers. The Maricopa County Attorney eventually dismissed all charges against McAlpin.
In addition to assaulting his client, McAlpin’s lawyer has accused officers of falsifying reports. Last November, the law firm filed a notice of claim and offered to settle the case for $3.5 million.
“The city never responded to the notice of claim or otherwise contacted us regarding settlement,” Showalter said. “The notice of claim demand has expired, and we are proceeding with litigation.”
A Phoenix spokesperson told KJZZ the city does not comment on pending litigation.
-
KJZZ's "Policing the Police" series examines the U.S. Department of Justice civil rights investigation of Phoenix by section, as well as the city's efforts to self-impose reforms. -
Our "Policing the Police" series examines the U.S. Department of Justice civil rights investigation of Phoenix by section, as well as the city's efforts to self-impose reforms. This time, KJZZ News focuses on the finding that Phoenix police don't change their approach when dealing with children. -
KJZZ's "Policing the Police" series examines the U.S. Department of Justice civil rights investigation of Phoenix by section, as well as the city's efforts to self-impose reforms. This report focuses on the finding by the DOJ that Phoenix police unlawfully restrict free speech. -
Our "Policing the Police" series examines the U.S. Department of Justice civil rights investigation of Phoenix as well as the city's efforts to self-impose reforms. This time, KJZZ News examines the finding that the city of Phoenix and its police discriminate against people with mental illnesses. -
KJZZ's "Policing the Police" series examines the U.S. Department of Justice civil rights investigation of Phoenix by section, as well as the city's efforts to self-impose reforms. This report focuses on the DOJ finding that police discriminated against Black, Hispanic and Native American people when enforcing the law. -
KJZZ's "Policing the Police" series examines the U.S. Department of Justice civil rights investigation of Phoenix by section, as well as the city's efforts to self-impose reforms. This report focuses on homelessness. -
KJZZ's "Policing the Police" series examines the U.S. Department of Justice civil rights investigation of Phoenix by section, as well as the city's efforts to self-impose reforms. KJZZ News has divided the findings on use of force into deadly and less lethal. This report focuses on the latter. -
Our "Policing the Police" series examines the U.S. Department of Justice civil rights investigation of Phoenix by section, as well as the city's efforts to self-impose reforms. KJZZ News has divided the findings on use of force into deadly and less lethal. This report focuses on fatal police shootings.
