# Phoenix police misconduct and arrests

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/phoenix-police-misconduct-and-arrests
> Updated: 2026-08-25T16:46:13.000Z. Sources: 32. Developments: 2.

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.

## Claims

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

## Timeline

### 2026-08-25: 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.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/phoenix-police-officers-arrested-for-kidnapping-and-assault

### 2026-08-23: 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.

24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/phoenix-police-officers-arrested-and-fired-after-violent-traffic-stop

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Cite as: Phoenix police misconduct and arrests. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/phoenix-police-misconduct-and-arrests