An Arizona man, Michael Kenyon, experienced a traumatic incident during an arrest in Phoenix’s scorching summer heat. Video footage captured by his attorney shows police officers holding Kenyon down on hot asphalt, resulting in third-degree burns on his body. The incident took place on July 6, a day with a temperature of 114 degrees and asphalt reaching between 180 and 200 degrees due to the extreme heatwave in Phoenix.
According to Kenyon’s attorney, Bobby DiCello, the man suffered severe burns that required over a month of hospitalization for recovery. The video stills reveal the intense struggle between Kenyon and the officers before he was finally handcuffed and taken into custody. DiCello condemned the actions of the police, emphasizing the inhumane treatment that led to his client being scarred for life.
Phoenix police stated that they had responded to a theft in progress call and detained Kenyon for questioning, suspecting his involvement. However, Kenyon was later determined not to be the robbery suspect they were looking for. It was discovered that he had a felony warrant out for his arrest, which the officers learned only after taking him to the hospital for his severe burns.
The extreme weather conditions in Arizona, particularly in Maricopa County where Phoenix is located, have made it one of the hottest metro areas in the United States. The incident involving Michael Kenyon has sparked an investigation by the Phoenix police’s Professional Standards Bureau to review the officers’ actions and determine accountability for the man’s injuries.
The case highlights the dangers of conducting arrests in high-temperature environments and raises concerns about the use of force by law enforcement officials. The long-term impact of such incidents on individuals like Kenyon, who suffered lasting physical harm, underscores the importance of ensuring proper protocols and training for officers to handle situations involving public safety without causing unnecessary harm.
As the investigation unfolds, the community awaits answers regarding the circumstances that led to Michael Kenyon’s severe burns and the accountability of the officers involved in the incident. The case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in extreme weather conditions and the need for greater awareness and sensitivity in handling arrests to prevent such tragic outcomes in the future.
