Police Department Places 2 Officers On Leave After Video Shows One Kicking Suspect In Face
A man has been charged and two police officers are suspended after a strange situation unfolded at a South Phoenix Gas station the night of Oct. 27.
Two Phoenix PD officers entered to use the restroom and then tried to return to their cruiser to respond to a call, according to NBC 12 News AZ. Harry Denman then reportedly attempted to talk to them on their way out. The officers said they were leaving for another call. It was at this point that Denman allegedly produced a firearm and fired twice at the officers striking the ground nearby and striking their cruiser, according to the outlet.
The officers immediately exited the vehicle and pursued Denman back into the store where they subdued and arrested him. The two Phoenix Police officers have since drawn criticism for video footage showing the “aggressive arrest,” according to NBC 12 News AZ.
Phoenix Police Department officers unnecessarily threatened and kicked a suspect who was already handcuffed. Under NO circumstances should their actions be acceptable. These officers are currently under investigation for their excessive force.🎥: @mrcheckpoint pic.twitter.com/qqhowuZJAG
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) November 4, 2022
The officers are now under investigation for the use of force they exhibited during the arrest, according to the outlet.
“Mr. Denman resisted the officers and the officers had to use physical force in response to his resistance and the possibility that he was still armed,” the officers wrote, according to 12 News. One witness reportedly “observed Mr. Denman enter the store, put a firearm on the counter, and stated that he shot at the police to let them know he needed help.” The gun was later recovered in the store.
Phoenix Police Department’s newly minted Chief Michael Sullivan told the press, “what is depicted in the video is not how we train and is not aligned with the core values of the Phoenix Police Department,” according to 12 News.
Denman is being held on $50,000 bond, according to the outlet. He was treated for his injuries at a nearby hospital.
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