Phoenix police have launched a criminal investigation into two officers whose actions could be detailed in a Tempe police report that describes a traffic stop two weeks ago.
The Tempe police report says a late night stop happened near 19th Avenue and Broadway Road.
A male driver and a female passenger told investigators they were beaten and tased by men the driver thought were riding in a marked police vehicle.
“The victims and even the Tempe police were not sure, 100%, who did this. But the fact that there is two officers who have been put on leave, Phoenix police must assume or think that these two officers were involved somehow,” said attorney Benjamin Taylor, who is not involved in the case.
The Tempe report says the suspect vehicle description is similar to older models used by four local police agencies, none of which are Phoenix.
The Phoenix Law Enforcement Association — a large and influential labor union of rank and file police — says two officers under criminal investigation should be presumed innocent.
A Tempe police report that may detail the incident says two male suspects with a body camera and Tasers kidnapped, assaulted and robbed two motorists.
If the suspects turn out to be Phoenix officers, they could be prosecuted.
“Or they could be disciplined by the Professional Standards Bureau, meaning a suspension or even firing,” Taylor said.
The union also says it will not excuse or defend the officers if they broke the law.
→ Read the Tempe police report [PDF]
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