Controversial Arrest Sparks Outcry: Phoenix Officers Under Investigation

Two Phoenix police officers faced backlash after arresting deaf Black man Tyron McAlpin with cerebral palsy. The officers, placed on leave, were seen using excessive force in body cam footage. McAlpin was wrongly charged, amid civil rights criticism of police practices.

Two Phoenix police officers have come under intense scrutiny after their violent arrest of a deaf Black man with cerebral palsy drew widespread condemnation. The officers, identified as Benjamin Harris and Kyle Sue, have been placed on administrative leave pending a formal investigation, according to a Tuesday announcement by the Phoenix Police Department.

The incident involved 34-year-old Tyron McAlpin, who was tasered and punched by the officers during his arrest in August. Charges of aggravated assault and resisting arrest against McAlpin were recently dropped, and there is no evidence that the officers were aware of McAlpin's disabilities at the time of arrest, reports say.

Civil rights groups, including the Arizona NAACP, have demanded accountability, highlighting past allegations of discriminatory policing in Phoenix. The U.S. Justice Department had previously noted excessive force and discrimination against minorities by the Phoenix police.

(With inputs from agencies.)