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Phoenix police imminently are expected to discuss a recent incident outside the home of Councilman Michael Johnson in which the cops allegedly handcuffed the elected official and dragged him across the ground.
Sources from both the Phoenix Police and Fire departments confirm the situation, which allegedly happened shortly after an accidental fire at the residence of one of Johnson’s neighbors in the south part of the city.
Johnson (in photo), who recently was released from a hospital after undergoing prostate cancer surgery, was hospitalized after the clash, which was observed by firefighters (including a battalion chief) and others.
The sources tell us that Johnson had been given permission by fire crews to assess the damage to the neighbor’s residence, but that a as-yet unidentified Phoenix officer told him to leave the area.
Johnson reportedly identified himself as a neighbor, a councilman, and a retired Phoenix homicide cop, to which the officer allegedly responded, “I don’t give a fuck who you are.”
Authorities, including Phoenix public safety manager (formerly Police Chief) Jack Harris, are gathering at City Hall for a scheduled 11 a.m. press conference to reveal details of the troubling incident involving the well-respected District 8 politico.
