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Phoenix Police Officers Antonio Felix and Luis Vasquez Jr. Arrested and Fired After Violently Assaulting Civilians During Unreported Traffic Stop

Phoenix police officers Antonio Felix and Luis Vasquez Jr. were fired and arrested following a violent, unreported traffic stop on August 5. Police Chief Matt Giordano announced that the two former officers physically assaulted a man and a woman, using a Taser to shock them while they were still inside their vehicle. The victims reported that the officers smashed a car window, punched the man multiple times, and handcuffed the woman, who was then pushed to the ground. The man managed to escape and abandoned his car in Tempe, where he eventually reported the incident to authorities. Chief Giordano noted that the officers failed to activate their body-worn cameras and did not report the stop initially. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office has charged the former officers with multiple felonies, including aggravated assault, kidnapping, and tampering with evidence. A judge set a $100,000 secured appearance bond for each defendant. While Luis Vasquez Jr. was released from custody, Antonio Felix remained incarcerated. The Phoenix Law Enforcement Association expressed concern over the breach of public trust caused by the officers' conduct.

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