Federal Lawsuit Filed Against Phoenix Police for Excessive Force

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A representation of a police encounter in Phoenix highlighting the issues of excessive force.

News Summary

Michael Kenyon has filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Phoenix and several police officers following an incident where he sustained third-degree burns while being restrained on hot pavement. The suit alleges excessive force and outlines severe injuries suffered by Kenyon during the police encounter in July, including extensive medical treatment. The case highlights concerns around police conduct and accountability, particularly concerning responses to situations involving individuals who do not fit typical suspect profiles.

Phoenix – A federal lawsuit has been filed by Michael Kenyon against the city of Phoenix and several police officers following a traumatic incident that occurred in July 2024. The suit, submitted on July 3, 2025, alleges that Kenyon suffered extensive third-degree burns after being restrained face down on dangerously hot pavement during a police encounter.

On July 6, 2024, temperatures in central Phoenix peaked above 114º, creating hazardous conditions for anyone exposed to the ground. According to the lawsuit, Kenyon was pinned down by officers for more than four minutes while pleading for help, during which time he suffered severe injuries. Kenyon spent over 30 days receiving treatment at the Maricopa County Burn Center, which included painful procedures such as skin grafts and extensive physical therapy to regain mobility in his arms.

The encounter began when police responded to a report of a suspected non-violent theft made by Kenyon’s roommate. Despite this, Kenyon did not match the description provided to police. His roommate described the suspect as a 5’5″ individual with tattoos, whereas Kenyon is 5’10” and was not tattooed, wearing only a tank top at the time. Upon being approached by officers, Kenyon attempted to clarify his situation before he was forcibly restrained.

Four officers identified in the lawsuit—Adelbert Caraig, Eric Jusseaume, Ira Salinas-Jerry, and Rowan Clarke—were involved in the struggle to take him down. The incident escalated quickly, with Kenyon allegedly held down on the hot pavement while he called out for assistance from bystanders. Witnesses recorded the encounter, which captured both Kenyon’s pleas for help and the actions of the police officers.

Following the encounter, the Phoenix Fire Department administered 200 milligrams of ketamine before transporting Kenyon to a local hospital. Officers reported to hospital staff that Kenyon was “acting altered,” despite the circumstances surrounding the incident. He was also handcuffed to the hospital bed during his treatment, even though he had not committed a crime related to the police response.

Kenyon’s federal lawsuit claims a range of violations including excessive force, municipal liability, assault and battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit emphasizes the devastating impact of the incident on Kenyon’s physical health and well-being, as he continues to deal with serious scarring and disfigurement as a result of the injuries sustained. His ongoing recovery involves not only medical treatment but also psychological challenges associated with the trauma experienced during the event.

As of now, the Phoenix Police Department has not released any body camera footage of the incident and has refrained from commenting on the ongoing litigation. The case has drawn attention to the broader issues of police conduct and accountability in responses to situations involving individuals who may not fit typical suspect profiles.

Kenyon previously filed a notice of claim with the city regarding the incident, signaling an intention to contest the actions of the police officers involved. The outcome of this lawsuit may set a precedent for how claims of excessive force and police misconduct are handled moving forward.