Holmberg's Morning Sickness – Arizona: PHX PD Officers Suspended Following Excessive Force Take Down Of Deaf Man w/Cerebral Palsy

Episode Release Date: March 26, 2025

Introduction

In the March 26, 2025 episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness on Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show, host John Holmberg and his co-hosts Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo delve into a disturbing incident involving the Phoenix Police Department (PHX PD). The discussion centers around the suspension of two officers following their excessive use of force against a deaf Black man with cerebral palsy during a takedown at a Circle K on 16th Street in Indian School. This summary encapsulates the key points, debates, insights, and conclusions from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who did not tune in.

Background of the Incident

The episode begins with Dick Toledo bringing attention to a recent and troubling event captured in video footage. The incident involves PHX PD officers suspending their duties after using excessive force on a vulnerable individual:

• Description of the Incident: The officers approached a man who was deaf and had cerebral palsy. Misinterpreting his movements and inability to respond verbally, they used tasers and physical force, mistaking him for an erratic and potentially dangerous suspect.

• Conflicting Reports: Toledo highlights the confusion surrounding the incident, noting that initial reports were conflicting. Some accounts described the individual as a White male accused of an assault, leading officers to the wrong suspect.

  "They didn't know he was deaf and had cerebral palsy. They thought he was erratic." [00:47]

Analysis of Police Actions

The hosts engage in a nuanced discussion about the police officers' actions, exploring various angles to understand what transpired:

• Lack of Awareness: A significant point raised is the officers' unawareness of the man's disabilities at the time of the encounter. This lack of knowledge contributed to their aggressive response.

  "They just thought he was erratic. He was deaf, so he couldn't communicate." [02:22]

• Dispatch Information: The conversation emphasizes the role of dispatch in shaping the officers' response. The hosts speculate on what information the dispatchers provided, considering whether the description led officers to incorrectly identify the individual.

  "It all depends on what dispatch told the police, what they thought they were driving up to." [06:20]

• Racial Bias Considerations: The racial aspect of the incident is critically examined. The man’s identity as a Black individual added a layer of complexity, potentially influencing the officers' perception and actions.

  "He's also black, which is the worst nightmare for a cop who just attacked a guy." [02:23]

Impact of Disabilities on the Encounter

A central theme of the discussion is how the man's deafness and cerebral palsy affected the situation:

• Communication Barriers: Being deaf meant the man couldn't hear commands, such as "freeze" or "lay down," leading to misunderstandings.

  "If you couldn't hear, you're in survival mode." [09:14]

• Physical Movements Misinterpreted: The movements associated with cerebral palsy were mistaken for erratic behavior, prompting the officers to act aggressively.

  "He was moving that way because of cerebral palsy, but they didn't know that." [03:21]

Consequences for the Officers

The episode explores the repercussions faced by the involved officers and the broader implications for PHX PD:

• Suspensions and Public Reaction: The officers were suspended, sparking a debate among the public. Some demand their termination, while others suggest they were placed in a challenging situation without full information.

  "The cops got suspended. The people want him fired." [02:23]

• Potential for Racial and Disability Rights Violations: The incident raises concerns about systemic issues within the police force regarding handling individuals with disabilities and racial minorities.

  "If dispatch said we’re looking for a black guy, then they went after him regardless of his disabilities." [07:42]

Broader Implications and Recommendations

The hosts discuss the wider implications of the incident and propose potential measures to prevent such occurrences in the future:

• Training and Awareness: Emphasis on better training for officers to recognize and appropriately handle encounters with individuals who have disabilities.

  "Proper training is needed to handle such situations." [11:54]

• Dispatch Accuracy: Improving the accuracy and detail of dispatch information to ensure officers have a clear understanding of whom they are approaching.

  "What were they told? The dispatcher could have been wrong." [07:42]

• Public Perception and Trust: The incident highlights the fragile trust between law enforcement and the community, especially among marginalized groups.

  "I'm black. I'm already worried when the cops pull up." [09:20]

Concluding Thoughts

In wrapping up the discussion, the co-hosts reflect on the complexity of the situation, acknowledging the interplay of miscommunication, possible bias, and inadequate training. They express the need for a balanced viewpoint, considering both the officers' potential lack of information and the disproportionate use of force exhibited.

• Reserve Judgment Until All Facts Are Known: The importance of withholding final judgment until a thorough investigation is completed is underscored.

  "We have to reserve judgment on what dispatch told those two cops." [09:17]

• Call for Accountability and Improvement: A consensus is reached on the necessity for accountability within the police force and the implementation of measures to prevent similar incidents.

  "It's just a horrible mix-up. They came out pretty hot and should have taken a moment to assess." [05:13]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "They didn't know he was deaf and had cerebral palsy. They thought he was erratic." – Unknown Host [00:47]
• "He's also black, which is the worst nightmare for a cop who just attacked a guy." – Unknown Host [02:23]
• "If you couldn't hear, you're in survival mode." – Unknown Host [09:14]
• "Proper training is needed to handle such situations." – Unknown Host [11:54]
• "We have to reserve judgment on what dispatch told those two cops." – Unknown Host [09:17]

Conclusion

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness provides a thorough and engaging examination of a sensitive incident involving PHX PD officers and a vulnerable individual. Through candid discussions, the hosts shed light on the complexities of police interactions with people who have disabilities and the potential influence of racial biases. The conversation underscores the necessity for improved training, accurate dispatch communication, and thoughtful evaluation of law enforcement tactics to foster a safer and more equitable community.