An Arizona teenager is preparing to sue the Phoenix Police Department, alleging that officers assaulted him and encouraged his father to physically abuse him. The claim, seeking $500,000, has been filed against the City of Phoenix and three officers Kristofer Gries, Blake Willer, and Matthew Smith over their handling of a domestic dispute on January 23, 2024.
Officers were called to the home after the teenager’s father reported difficulty managing his son, who was 16 at the time. According to body camera footage, the officers advised the father that he had the right to physically discipline his son, telling him, “If you wish to beat him, beat him. If you wish to belt him, belt him.” They further stated, “He is a child. He only has rights from the government. He has no rights from you.”
When the father hesitated, the officers reassured him that child services would not take action against him for disciplining his son. The father eventually led the officers to his son’s room, where they confronted the teenager. The young man attempted to walk away but was ordered to stay. He told the officers that his father was abusive, but they dismissed his concerns, stating that his father could “do whatever he wants.” One officer added, “Your dad should beat you.”
At one point, the teenager questioned whether his father could physically abuse him, and the officers responded affirmatively. When the father requested that his son’s phone be taken away, the teenager refused, stating that he paid his own phone bill. The officers then threatened to detain him, calling him a “little brat.”
A struggle ensued when Officer Willer attempted to seize the phone. The teenager was pushed to the ground, where he sustained injuries, including a bloody face. He was handcuffed despite repeatedly stating that the restraints were too tight. He was charged with aggravated assault, though the charges were later dropped.
The teenager was taken to a hospital, where he was treated for a broken wrist and a facial laceration that required five stitches. Surgery was later performed on his wrist.
The attorney representing the teenager condemned the officers’ actions, stating that they escalated the situation instead of diffusing it. The claim argues that the officers’ use of force and indifference to the teenager’s injuries violated his rights.
An internal review has been launched, and the incident remains under investigation. The police department has acknowledged the litigation but has not provided further comments.
