Arizona officers who beat deaf Black man with cerebral palsy put on suspension

Yahoo! News - Mar 26th, 2025

The Phoenix police department has disciplined three officers for using excessive force on Tyron McAlpin, a deaf Black man with cerebral palsy, during an arrest in August last year. Video footage showed officers using a stun gun and punching McAlpin multiple times, leading to a public outcry. Interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan announced 24-hour unpaid suspensions for the officers involved, identified in media reports as Benjamin Harris, Kyle Sue, and Jorge Acosta. Additionally, two of these officers are required to attend de-escalation training. Sullivan emphasized the department's commitment to accountability and public trust.

The incident has sparked significant concern and criticism, with comparisons drawn to historical racial injustices. McAlpin's lawyers released the footage, underscoring the false claims of a white citizen that led to the violent confrontation. The NAACP criticized the act as a brutal assault reminiscent of past racial injustices. In contrast, the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association defended the officers, arguing the decision to suspend them was influenced by public pressure and biased media portrayal. McAlpin has since filed a $3.5 million claim against the city and the officers involved.

Naacp Phoenix Police Department Tyron Mc Alpin Michael Sullivan Benjamin Harris Kyle Sue Jorge Acosta Excessive Force Racial Injustice De Escalation Training

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed and accurate account of the disciplinary actions taken against Phoenix police officers involved in the arrest of Tyron McAlpin. It effectively utilizes credible sources and presents multiple perspectives, though it could benefit from additional verification of certain claims and more balanced coverage of the police viewpoint. The story is timely and of significant public interest, addressing critical issues of police accountability and racial justice. Its potential impact on public opinion and policy discussions is substantial, and it engages readers through its compelling subject matter and clear presentation. Overall, the article is well-constructed, though it could improve transparency and source diversity to enhance its credibility.

Accuracy

The article accurately reports the disciplinary actions taken against Phoenix police officers involved in the arrest of Tyron McAlpin, supported by multiple sources including direct statements from the interim police chief and media reports. It correctly identifies the officers involved and describes the incident with reference to body camera footage and police reports. However, some details, such as the officers' identification and the accuracy of the police incident report, require further verification. The article aligns with known facts but could benefit from additional corroboration of certain claims, such as the initial internal review of the incident.

Balance

The article presents multiple perspectives, including statements from the interim police chief, the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, and the NAACP. However, it leans slightly towards highlighting the criticisms of the police actions and the community's response. While it does mention the police association's defense of the officers, this viewpoint is less emphasized compared to the narrative of police misconduct. Including more balanced coverage of the police perspective could enhance the article's impartiality.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly presents the sequence of events, making it easy to follow. The language is straightforward, and the tone is neutral, aiding comprehension. However, some complex legal and procedural terms could be better explained for readers unfamiliar with police disciplinary processes. Overall, the article maintains clarity and coherence throughout.

Source quality

The article utilizes credible sources, including statements from official entities like the Phoenix police department and media outlets such as ABC15 and 12News. The reliance on direct quotes and video footage adds to the credibility. However, the article could improve by citing more diverse sources or independent investigations to bolster the claims made. The use of media reports to identify the officers, rather than official confirmation, slightly detracts from source authority.

Transparency

The article is relatively transparent in its reporting, providing context for the incident and referencing specific evidence like body camera footage. However, it lacks detailed explanation about the methodology of verifying claims and the basis for certain statements, such as the internal review process mentioned by the police association. Greater disclosure of how information was obtained and verified would enhance transparency.