Phoenix Police chief fires officer involved in viral confrontation of couple accused of shoplifting

PHOENIX - Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams announced discipline for officers who were involved in two high profile incidents. 

Officer Christopher Meyer was terminated based on his response to a shoplifting call that gained national attention. 

The incident happened back on May 27, 2019, and was captured on cell phone video that went viral. Meyer was seen on the video using alleged excessive force while arresting a suspect.

Chief Williams said Meyer's actions caused adverse effects on both the Phoenix Police Department and the community. A second officer involved in the same incident was given a written reprimand. 

The incident involved a man and a woman with two small children after the suspect vehicle was stopped not far from a Family Dollar store near 32nd Street and Roosevelt where it was reported a doll was mistakenly taken.

The viral video showed officers with their guns drawn yelling expletives at the family. Meyer was seen placing Dravon Ames in handcuffs and kicking his legs out from under him. He then confronted the mother and children. 

*Warning explicit language is used.*

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

Police did not press any charges on the couple involved in the incident. The family filed a $10 million notice of claim against the city, and a settlement/mediation conference has been scheduled for December 18. 

Reverend Jarrett Maupin who represents the Ames-Harper family released a statement after the announcement for Chief Williams. 

The Ames-Harper family also held a press conference following the announcement. 

"I think I might get a good night's rest knowing that he's fired and it won't happen to anyone else," said Dravon Ames. 

Phoenix city councilman Sal Diciccio says the firing is all for political reasons and believes that the police chief was under pressure to fire officer Meyer.

"They're out to go after our police department," said councilman Diciccio. "Police wanted to use this as an example to show that they are doing something except this something is going to cost taxpayers millions of dollars by pouring lawsuits against us for something that is unjustifiable."

Chief Williams also announced Det. Dave Swick was terminated for inappropriate social media posts.