An Arizona man, Michael Kenyon, claims that police held him down on scorching asphalt during the summer heat wave in Phoenix, causing third-degree burns on his body. Video footage obtained by CBS News shows Kenyon talking on his cell phone in a parking lot on July 6 when police officers arrive in a Phoenix police truck. A struggle ensues as officers try to handcuff him, and eventually, four officers are seen holding Kenyon on the ground before finally handcuffing him and escorting him into a police vehicle. Kenyon’s attorney, Bobby DiCello, stated that his client spent over a month in the hospital recovering from burns caused by the hot asphalt, with his skin melting and peeling off when lifted from the ground.
DiCello mentioned that the temperature that day was 114 degrees, with the asphalt reaching between 180 and 200 degrees. Phoenix had experienced 100 consecutive days with temperatures above 100 degrees during the summer. The incident took place after police responded to a call about a theft in progress, and Kenyon, who was not the suspect they were looking for, was detained for questioning. According to police, Kenyon struggled with officers, resulting in him being taken to the ground on the heated pavement, causing burns on different parts of his body. It was later discovered that Kenyon had a felony warrant out for his arrest when he was taken to the hospital. The Phoenix police department stated that their Professional Standards Bureau is investigating the incident.
The attorney for Michael Kenyon expressed outrage over the treatment of his client, stating that it was unreasonable to hold a person on a surface so hot that it caused his skin to blister and boil. Kenyon was left scarred for life as a result of the incident. The video footage clearly shows the officers holding Kenyon on the ground, resulting in severe burns, which required him to be hospitalized for an extended period. Phoenix police responded to the allegations by stating that officers were responding to a call and that Kenyon’s struggles led to him being placed on the hot asphalt, causing burns.
Phoenix, Arizona, has been experiencing extreme heat waves, with temperatures reaching dangerous levels, especially during the summer months. The city recorded 100 consecutive days with over 100-degree temperatures, highlighting the severe weather conditions in the region. However, the treatment of individuals by law enforcement during such extreme weather conditions has raised concerns about excessive force and disregard for the well-being of individuals in police custody. The incident involving Michael Kenyon has sparked outrage and calls for accountability within the Phoenix police department, with an ongoing investigation into the actions of the officers involved.
