Phoenix officers involved in violent arrest put 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 remove officers Ben Harris and Kyle Sue from the street took effect Monday, a police spokesman said.

The move comes 63 days after Tyrone McAlpine was repeatedly punched and tasered by two police officers on Aug. 19, and 52 days after city officials said the couple was initially placed under internal affairs investigation.

ABC15 previously reported that police and prosecutors failed to disclose that McAlpin’s arrest was under an internal affairs investigation before officers testified at a preliminary hearing to determine whether there was probable cause for the arrest.

ABC15 is committed to finding the answers you need and holding them accountable.

Send your news to [email protected].

McAlpin was formally charged with aggravated assault and resisting arrest.

Those charges were dropped after public outcry over the case.

Chronology of events:

August 19, 2024: Tyrone McAlpin has been arrested.

August 30, 2024: Phoenix police say an internal investigation has been launched.

October 1, 2024: Harris and Sue testify at the preliminary hearing, but do not reveal that they are under internal investigation. Two Phoenix police public information sergeants are present at the hearing.

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

October 17, 2024: Maricopa County Prosecutor Rachel Mitchell decides to drop all charges against McAlpin after a personal review of the case.

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