Phoenix Officers Placed on Leave After McAlpin Incident

Two Phoenix police officers, Ben Harris and Kyle Sue, have been placed on paid administrative leave following their involvement in the arrest of Tyron McAlpin, a deaf Black man with cerebral palsy. The incident drew national attention due to video footage showing the officers punching and using a taser on McAlpin, who was misidentified as a suspect in a crime. Despite the officers' testimony at a preliminary hearing, they did not disclose that they were under internal investigation. This action comes amid broader scrutiny of Phoenix police practices after a U.S. Justice Department report indicated discrimination against disabled and Black individuals. Following a review by Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, all charges against McAlpin were dismissed. This case has sparked public outcry and is being monitored by a police accountability office and civilian review board.