PHOENIX — Following the arrest of two former south Phoenix police officers accused of a violent, unreported traffic stop, community leaders hope momentum continues in holding the department accountable.
Over the weekend, Police Chief Matt Giordano said former officers Luis Vasquez Jr. and Antonio Felix were arrested and fired for their alleged actions during an unreported early August traffic stop.
The couple that was stopped accused the officers of repeatedly tasing them, pulling hair out, beating them up and threatening to shoot.
Dr. Warren Stewart Sr., Pastor Emeritus of First Institutional Baptist Church, said after nearly five decades in senior leadership, he’s watched distrust between police and people play out for years.
“In South Phoenix, we often get the bad deals when it comes to the police department,” Stewart said.
He’s also worked with a coalition of faith leaders to try and fix the fractured relationship.
“We have made advances, but we have setbacks like we've had this weekend,” Stewart. "What happened was unbelievable in a bad way, but the new chief of police's response was unbelievable in a good way…It is an effort, of course, to restore a shattered confidence.”
Stewart said he hopes the department holds a meeting with the community to address ongoing concerns and to create an action plan to prevent future misconduct.
Last week, State Senator Catherine Miranda joined her colleagues in LD 11, calling for accountability in the case. Monday morning, she said she’s glad to see the arrests over the weekend.
"I have been born and raised and educated here in South Phoenix, and this is my home.” Miranda said. "I hope that there's going to be a broader audit of more systemic issues in our system, and I believe the chief is on top of that as well."
Miranda hopes to get in touch with the couple that was stopped and has a broader promise to her constituents in south Phoenix.
"I want to sit with you and just check on you because that's what I'm here to do,” Miranda said. “For the rest of my community, this isn't the end. This is only the beginning.”
