Man Burned on Scorching Pavement to Sue Phoenix Police for $15 Million
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Man Burned on Scorching Pavement to Sue Phoenix Police for $15 Million

Michael Kenyon Files Federal Claim Alleging Negligence and Excessive Force by Officers

PHOENIX — A man who suffered severe third-degree burns after being held face-down on hot asphalt by Phoenix police officers has filed a notice of claim against the city, seeking $15,530,000 in damages.

Michael Kenyon, 30, took the first legal step toward filing a federal lawsuit on December 30. His attorneys argue that the Phoenix Police Department’s actions caused permanent physical and psychological harm.

Incident Details

The incident occurred on July 6, 2024, when temperatures in Phoenix soared to 114º. Surveillance footage shows officers stopping Kenyon in a parking lot near 7th and McKinley streets. After a physical altercation, several officers pinned Kenyon to the asphalt for over four minutes.

A witness captured part of the incident on video, where Kenyon can be heard pleading, “Please… I can’t move. I didn’t do anything.”

Kenyon suffered burns to his face, arms, chest, and legs, requiring over a month of hospitalization. Large sections of flesh are now missing from above his knees.

Claim Details

Kenyon’s attorneys describe the $15.53 million claim as a “modest sum,” equating it to $1,000 per day for the rest of his life expectancy. They accuse the Phoenix Police Department of a lack of training, unconstitutional practices, and fostering a violent culture, citing a 2024 Department of Justice investigation that found systemic issues within the department.

The claim also highlights the absence of policies addressing the risks of holding individuals on hot pavement, despite the city’s extreme summer temperatures.

City Response

The city has not commented on the claim, stating the incident remains under internal investigation. Phoenix Police records indicate that officers reported Kenyon struggled with them, but he has not been charged with any crime related to the encounter.

Public Outcry

Bobby DiCello, one of Kenyon’s attorneys, condemned the officers’ actions. “This young man was burned to the third degree because his skin was cooked on asphalt,” he said.

Kenyon’s case has drawn attention to broader issues within the Phoenix Police Department, with critics calling for reforms to prevent similar incidents.

The lawsuit is expected to move forward if the city does not agree to the settlement amount. Kenyon’s case underscores ongoing concerns about law enforcement practices in extreme conditions and the treatment of vulnerable individuals.