PHOENIX, AZ (ABC15 Chicago) – A 30-year-old man named Michael Kenyon has begun the process of filing a federal lawsuit against the city of Phoenix after suffering severe third-degree burns while being held down by police on scorching pavement. Kenyon’s case revolves around a troubling event that occurred on July 6, 2024, when temperatures reached a blistering 114 degrees Fahrenheit.
In documents submitted by Kenyon’s legal team on December 30, he is pursuing a settlement of $15,530,000. Should this amount not be agreed upon, he plans to officially file a lawsuit against the city. The notice of claim emphasizes that Kenyon has an estimated life expectancy of about 42 more years, arguing that no one would choose to endure his current state—marked by significant disfigurements and trauma—for just $1,000 a day.
The shocking episode occurred in a parking lot near 7th and McKinley streets, where surveillance video captured the police interaction. Eyewitness footage shows Kenyon pleading for mercy, exclaiming, “please… please… I can’t move. I didn’t do anything,” while officers held him face-down on the scorching asphalt for over four minutes. Kenyon has been in the hospital for over a month, working hard to recover from serious injuries, including extensive burns on his face, arms, chest, and legs.
His legal team contends that the Phoenix Police Department has shown a troubling trend in its behavior, connecting this incident to a broader problem of excessive force and insufficient training. In a previous statement, attorney Bobby DiCello criticized the police for showing a “complete disregard for human life.” Kenyon has not been charged with any crime in relation to the incident, which is currently under internal investigation by police officials.
The claim outlined in the notice highlights deficiencies in procedures and training that played a role in Kenyon’s injuries. It cites findings from a recent investigation by the Department of Justice, which revealed ongoing problems within the Phoenix Police Department.
Timothy Young, a resident of Mesa, Arizona, recounted his harrowing experience of suffering third-degree burns after collapsing on the blistering pavement in July, as reported by AZFamily. Originally hailing from California, Young was aware of Arizona’s notorious heat but found himself unprepared for its severity. While he was waiting for a light rail in downtown Mesa, the extreme temperatures overwhelmed him, leading to his collapse.
Emergency Medical Services revived him and transported him to Valleywise Hospital, where he underwent multiple surgeries and skin grafts to treat the severe burns inflicted by the pavement, which doctors indicated could soar to 160 degrees that day. At that time, the hospital’s burn center was at full capacity, treating numerous patients with similar injuries from the searing ground.
Young’s recovery journey has been arduous and painful, and he hopes to shed light on the perils of extreme heat, encouraging others to stay hydrated and safeguard their pets. He also pointed out that climate change is playing a significant role in the escalating temperatures in Arizona.
