Tyron McAlpin Files $3.5M Claim Against Phoenix Police

Tyron McAlpin, a deaf Black man with cerebral palsy, has filed a $3.5 million notice of claim against the city of Phoenix and three police officers, following a violent arrest on August 19 that involved being beaten and tasered. The claim, filed by attorney Jesse M. Showalter, accuses Officers Benjamin Harris, Kyle Sue, and Jorge Acosta of excessive force, wrongful arrest, and falsifying police reports to justify their actions, which led to McAlpin's 24-day wrongful incarceration. The incident, which occurred after officers responded to a report of aggressive behavior by a white male, drew national attention after body camera footage was released, prompting outrage and highlighting concerns over police conduct in Phoenix. After reviewing the case, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office dismissed all charges against McAlpin a week later. The Phoenix Police Department stated that an internal investigation is ongoing, and the involved officers remain on administrative leave. Community activists, including the NAACP, have criticized the police's actions and the underlying issues of excessive force and discrimination against marginalized individuals.