Legal Developments: Charges & Lawsuits
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Criminal case: In a preliminary hearing on October 1, 2024, a Maricopa County judge found probable cause to proceed with criminal charges. However, those charges have since been dismissed ABC7 ChicagoYouTube.
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Discipline: In March 2025, Phoenix PD issued 24‑hour unpaid suspensions to the three officers involved, and two were mandated to attend de‑escalation training. No further employment penalties were reported The Guardian.
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Civil claim: McAlpin filed a $3.5 million notice of claim against the city and the officers in December 2024. That lawsuit is still pending as of the latest reports The GuardianABC7 Chicago.
📌 Summary Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Aug 19, 2024 | McAlpin arrested, assaulted, tasered; bodycam video later released |
| Oct 1, 2024 | Judge found probable cause to advance criminal charges |
| Dec 2024 | McAlpin filed a $3.5 M civil rights notice of claim |
| Mar 26, 2025 | Officers suspended (24‑hrs unpaid), some required de-escalation training |
| Unspecified | Criminal charges ultimately dismissed |
✅ Current Status
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Criminal charges are no longer active—dismissed after initial probable cause ruling.
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Internal discipline: minimal—short unpaid suspension and de-escalation training.
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Civil litigation: McAlpin’s $3.5 million claim is open and ongoing.
🔄 Broader Context: Phoenix PD Under Federal Scrutiny
In June 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice released a comprehensive civil‑rights investigation concluding Phoenix PD engaged in a “pattern or practice” of discriminatory and excessive force, particularly against Black, Hispanic, Native American, disabled, and homeless individuals. The McAlpin case was cited as emblematic of systemic failure to protect vulnerable persons despite existing policies on paper The GuardianDepartment of Justicepbs.org.
