Phoenix officers involved in violent arrests have been placed on paid leave

PHOENIX – Two Phoenix police officers involved in the violent arrest of a deaf man with cerebral palsy have been placed on paid administrative leave.

The decision to take officers Ben Harris and Kyle Sue off the street went into effect Monday, according to a police spokesman.

The move comes 63 days after two officers repeatedly punched and verbally abused Tyron McAlpin on Aug. 19, and 52 days after the city said the pair were initially under internal investigation.

ABC15 previously reported that police and prosecutors did not disclose that McAlpin’s arrest was under internal investigation before the officers testified at a preliminary hearing to determine whether there was probable cause for the arrest.

McAlpin was formally charged with aggravated assault and resisting arrest.

Those charges were dismissed after public outcry over the case.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

August 19, 2024: Tyron McAlpin is arrested.

August 30, 2024: Phoenix police say an internal investigation is underway.

October 1, 2024: Harris and Sue testify at a preliminary hearing but do not disclose that they are under internal investigation. Two Phoenix Police Department sergeants attend the hearing.

October 10, 2024: ABC15 breaks the story about McAlpin’s arrest, leading to international coverage.

October 17, 2024: Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell decides to dismiss all charges against McAlpin after personally reviewing the case.

October 21, 2024: Phoenix police place Harris and Sue on paid administrative leave.