Prosecutors are dismissing charges against a deaf man who was tasered by Phoenix officers

PHOENIX (AZFamily) – The Maricopa County District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday that all charges are being dismissed in the case against Tyron McAlpin, who was struck and tased multiple times by Phoenix police during an arrest in August.

McAlpin, who is deaf and has cerebral palsy, faced multiple felony charges when he was charged with assault on a person, aggravated assault on police officers and resisting arrest.

Body camera video obtained by Arizona’s Family and other media showed the incident unfolding, immediately drawing criticism from community activists, including the NAACP.

“(…) I have committed to personally reviewing the case, including a large amount of video recordings, police reports and other materials forwarded to my office,” Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Michell said in a written statement . “This week on Tuesday, I also convened a large meeting of senior lawyers and community members to hear their views on this matter. I have now completed my investigation and have made the decision to dismiss all remaining charges against Mr. McAlpin.”

The body-worn footage shows an officer immediately chasing McAlpin. A nearby security camera shows the officer driving in front of him as he walks before the officer engages him.

According to the police report, McAlpin then fought back against the officers. Another officer arrived on scene, but his body camera flew off during the incident.

The police report indicated that officers were investigating an assault at a nearby Circle K and that McAlpin matched the suspect’s description.

Last week, the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association sided with the officers in question, adding that the media had “biased reporting.”

In a new statement Thursday, the police union called Mitchell’s decision “terrible” and said the case was an “ugly smear campaign” against Phoenix police.

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