Two former Phoenix police officers, Luis Vasquez Jr. and Antonio Felix, have been fired and arrested following allegations of severe misconduct during a traffic stop on August 5 in south Phoenix. Prosecutors have charged the ex-officers with multiple offenses, including kidnapping, aggravated assault, robbery, evidence tampering, and felony assault.
According to a police report, Vasquez and Felix allegedly smashed the windows of a couple's car around 11:30 p.m. to force them out. The woman reported that officers placed her in an armbar, used a taser on her, handcuffed her, and placed her in a patrol car. Vasquez is accused of repeatedly punching the male driver in the head, face, and groin, while Felix allegedly tased the man. Vasquez also reportedly threatened to shoot the man, counting down from three while ordering him to exit the vehicle.
Prosecutors stated that one officer allegedly told the woman, "he’s probably going to get shot" and "we know where you live now." After releasing her from the patrol car, they allegedly left her stranded on the roadside without her cellphone. The state also claims the officers took the woman’s phone, which was later lost or destroyed. The male victim eventually drove away, while the woman was left to walk more than an hour to get home.
Later that night, Tempe police discovered the abandoned car and contacted its registered owner, the male victim's mother. Vasquez and Felix reportedly learned of this contact and intercepted it, later claiming they had not made contact with the registered owner. When questioned by Phoenix Police dispatch about checking the license plate, both former officers allegedly denied any stop or interaction.
Investigators believe the officers used sensitive DMV and address information from the victims’ license plates and their police knowledge to conceal their alleged actions and hinder the investigation. Tempe police initially suspected a carjacking by individuals posing as officers.
Both victims received medical treatment for their injuries, which were photographed. Prosecutors noted that neither officer activated a body camera nor reported the incident. Vasquez allegedly admitted to remaining silent due to fear of departmental policy violations.
The reason for the traffic stop remains undetermined, and investigators do not believe the officers knew the victims. Vasquez had served with the Phoenix Police Department for eight years, while Felix had served for nine years.
Phoenix Police Chief Giordano stated that the officers' actions "severely undermine trust in law enforcement and violate the standards we expect from those who serve." He added, "When we become aware of misconduct, we take action and we hold officers accountable."
A judge set bail at $100,000 for each former officer, with electronic monitoring required if they are released. Their court appearance was on Saturday night.