Witnesses claim that a South Phoenix man, Frank Morrison, was roughed up by police earlier this week, and essentially left for dead.
The Phoenix Police Department doesn't quite have an explanation for what happened.
See also:
-Phoenix Police Roughed Up a Black Man Who Nearly Died, Witnesses Claim
Multiple witnesses told New Times yesterday that police were at the Word Center church and the surrounding church-owned properties -- where the church helps house people -- around Third Street and Southern Avenue, around 4 a.m. on Monday.
People who were there say police told them they were looking for a burglary suspect, as Morrison was handcuffed, taken to the ground, and tossed against a police car, according to witnesses -- before being released with no ticket or any citation, and dumped on the side of the road in front of the church, as officers took off.
Morrison, who suffered a stroke at some time during the incident, wasn't able to relay all the details yesterday, as hospital staff at the Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center cut off interviews with Morrison due to his rising blood pressure, and general concern for his health.
While this story was corroborated by multiple witnesses, police e-mailed us this statement:
"It has always been the policy of the Phoenix Police Department to welcome the community to report any allegations of officer misconduct; we take all complaints seriously. Although allegations have been made to the media, none of these were brought to the attention of the Phoenix Police Department. Nonetheless, based on information received late yesterday the department is looking into this incident. Attempts have been made to speak with Mr. Morrison however he has declined to speak with us. We have learned our officers came into brief contact with Mr. Morrison in the early morning hours of Monday August 26th during an unrelated incident. We will continue to review the facts as information is received and we encourage open and honest communications with the community we protect and serve."It seems like the folks back at the station ought to know what the officers on the streets are doing, and it seems like the type of incident that should require a report (which has been requested).
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