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[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [CRIME]

2 clusters · 32 sources · 3 days · First seen about 1 month ago · Last updated 28 days ago

Phoenix police misconduct and arrests

Overview

Two Phoenix police officers, Antonio Felix and Luis Vasquez Jr., were fired and arrested following an investigation into a violent, unreported traffic stop that occurred on August 5 in south Phoenix.

According to Phoenix Police Chief Matt Giordano, the officers allegedly smashed a vehicle window, physically assaulted a male driver and female passenger, and used a Taser on both victims. During the encounter, Vasquez reportedly punched the driver and threatened to shoot him, while the female passenger was handcuffed and restrained. The driver eventually managed to flee the scene, abandoning the vehicle in the neighboring city of Tempe.

Investigators discovered the incident through vehicle tracking systems and reports from Tempe police, who initially suspected criminals were impersonating officers because the stop was never logged in Phoenix police records. The officers also failed to activate their body-worn cameras as required by department policy.

Felix and Vasquez face multiple felony charges, including aggravated assault, kidnapping, and tampering with evidence. While Vasquez has been released from custody, Felix remains incarcerated at the Lower Buckeye Jail. The Phoenix Police Department has launched an internal audit of the South Mountain Precinct to investigate potential broader policy issues.

Entities

Tempe · Matt Giordano · Phoenix Police Department · Antonio Felix · South Mountain Precinct

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] Phoenix Police Chief Matt Giordano announced the arrests of former officers Antonio Felix and Luis Vasquez. 92q.com · classixphilly.com · kissrichmond.com · wzakcleveland.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Antonio Felix and Luis Vasquez were fired from the Phoenix Police Department. 92q.com · classixphilly.com · kissrichmond.com · wzakcleveland.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The former officers face charges of aggravated assault and kidnapping. 92q.com · classixphilly.com · kissrichmond.com · wzakcleveland.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The incident involved an unreported traffic stop using an SUV with lights and a siren on August 5. 92q.com · classixphilly.com · kissrichmond.com · wzakcleveland.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Victims alleged they were punched, restrained, and tased during the encounter. 92q.com · classixphilly.com · kissrichmond.com · wzakcleveland.com
[● 4 SOURCES] One suspect allegedly threatened a man with a handgun during the stop. 92q.com · classixphilly.com · kissrichmond.com · wzakcleveland.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The woman was allegedly handcuffed and pushed face-down to the ground. 92q.com · classixphilly.com · kissrichmond.com · wzakcleveland.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The man reported the incident to Tempe police after his vehicle broke down. 92q.com · classixphilly.com · kissrichmond.com · wzakcleveland.com

Timeline

28 days ago

[CRIME] 8 sources
Phoenix police officers arrested for kidnapping and assault
Two former Phoenix police officers, Antonio Felix and Luis Vasquez, were fired and arrested for alleged kidnapping and aggravated assault during an unreported traffic stop.
about 1 month ago

[CRIME] 24 sources
Phoenix police officers arrested and fired after violent traffic stop
Two Phoenix police officers were fired and arrested for allegedly assaulting a couple and using a Taser during an unreported, unrecorded traffic stop on August 5.

Sources

92q.com · abc30.com · abc7.com · abc7news.com · allaboutarizonanews.com · arizonadailyindependent.com · bangordailynews.com · ca.sports.yahoo.com · classixphilly.com · diversity.social · haberaktuel.com · independent.co.uk · internewscast.com · kissrichmond.com · kob.com · kyma.com · latimes.com · newsday.com · nypost.com · policeone.com · pulptastic.com · singtaousa.com · srnnews.com · stl.news · thebeatdfw.com · thebuzzcincy.com · themorninghustle.com · whec.com · winnipegfreepress.com · worldstockmarket.net · wtop.com · wzakcleveland.com