Phoenix Police investigating officers after video shows alleged misconduct

PHOENIX (FOX 10) - Phoenix Police are investigating an incident of alleged misconduct by some of its officers after a video surfaced of them responding to a shoplifting incident.

Police say they were provided video on June 11 of officers taking two individuals into custody while investigating a shoplifting incident last month near 32nd Street and Roosevelt. It involved a man and a woman with two small children after the suspect vehicle was stopped not far from the scene of the theft.

"He just seemed like he was trigger happy. He wanted to shoot someone that day," said Dravon Ames.

It was a jarring video of a police confrontation with a young couple is making national headlines tonight over a doll that was mistakenly taken from a nearby family dollar store.

"You're going to get [expletive deleted] shot," said an police officer, in the video.

"Shut the [expletive deleted] up," said an officer, in the video.

In the first minute of the video, officers are seen with guns drawn, and a total of 16 expletives are lobbed at the family.

"They want you to believe that that was a lawful, policy-compliant, typical police stop," said Rev. Jarrett Maupin.

The family and supporters spoke on Wednesday, as they prepare legal action against the city.

"They're cowards and bullies and bigots with badges and guns," said Rev. Maupin. "We've got a problem in this city, and someone's gonna end up dead."

The officer who initially confronted the family, kicked the leg of Ames with him already in handcuffs. 30 seconds later, that same officer returns to confront the mother with her children.

"It was crazy, very scary over a dollar store. I would have bought that doll had I knew," said Aesha Harper.

"There was about 12 officers out there, and they all looked in disgust at that guy," said Ames. "That one guy who was really acting up, they looked at him in disgust. the way he was acting. All over a Barbie doll."

In a statement posted to their Facebook page, the department said, "The Phoenix Police Department takes all allegations of misconduct seriously and for this reason, this incident is currently being investigated by the Professional Standards Bureau."

Police say the two detained in the video were not charged.

*Warning explicit language is used.*

>>Phoenix Police Video: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=695701937527285