Phoenix Man Sues Police After Suffering Third-Degree Burns from Hot Pavement Restraint

A man severely burned during a police encounter in extreme Arizona heat has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Phoenix.

Michael Kenyon filed the complaint on July 3, 2025, alleging Phoenix police officers used excessive force by pinning him face down on blistering pavement during a 114-degree day last July. The incident occurred near 7th and McKinley streets in downtown Phoenix.

Kenyon reportedly suffered third-degree burns to his face, arms, chest, and legs and spent over a month in the Maricopa County Burn Center undergoing painful treatments, including skin grafts. He continues to undergo physical therapy and carries lasting scars from the incident.

Cell phone video recorded by a bystander shows Kenyon screaming, “Please… please… I can’t move. I didn’t do anything,” while restrained on the pavement. Police records state Kenyon struggled with officers, but he has not been charged with any crime.

Surveillance footage captured officers questioning Kenyon before multiple officers forced him to the ground, holding him there for more than four minutes. Body camera footage from the incident has not yet been released, despite requests from local media.

The City of Phoenix has not issued a comment, citing ongoing litigation. Kenyon had previously submitted a notice of claim—a required step before filing a lawsuit in Arizona.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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