PHOENIX — Two Phoenix police officers are under criminal investigation after being connected to a case involving the kidnapping and assault of a couple in south Phoenix, the department confirmed Tuesday.
Phoenix Police Chief Matt Giordano addressed the investigation in a statement posted on X on Aug. 19, acknowledging that the allegations against the officers are serious.
The confirmation follows a Tempe Police report in which two victims said they were assaulted by individuals they believed to be police officers. Tempe police stated a day earlier that the report was tied to a possible misconduct investigation involving Phoenix officers.
According to the report, the alleged incident — which occurred Aug. 5 — involves accusations of aggravated assault, armed robbery, kidnapping, impersonating a police officer, and criminal damage, among other charges.
Chief Giordano emphasized that the investigative process must be allowed to proceed without interference, saying he has confidence in the department’s detectives and internal systems. He noted that the two officers involved will face accountability measures if the investigation confirms wrongdoing.
The department has not released the officers’ identities or their current duty status. Giordano said Phoenix police remain committed to transparency and will provide updates as the investigation progresses.
No arrests have been publicly announced as of this report. Phoenix police asked the public to allow the investigation to run its course before drawing conclusions.