An off-duty Phoenix Police Department sergeant is under internal review following an incident involving student protesters in Chandler. Authorities confirmed that Sergeant Dusten Mullen, assigned to the Sound Mountain Precinct as a community action sergeant, was present during a protest involving high school students demonstrating against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The matter is currently being reviewed by the department’s Professional Standards Bureau. The incident occurred while Mullen was off-duty.
Background: Student Walkouts and Prior Incident
Student-led walkouts protesting ICE activity took place across the region in late January. The demonstrations followed a separate incident in Minneapolis, where federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti on January 24. According to authorities, Pretti was armed with a legally owned handgun at the time of the encounter.
On January 30, one such protest occurred outside Hamilton High School in Chandler.
Incident Details from Chandler Police Report
According to a Chandler Police Department report obtained by media outlets, officers assigned to monitor the protest were alerted to a masked individual behaving in a suspicious manner near the demonstration.
The individual was later identified as Sergeant Dusten Mullen. The report describes him as wearing:
- Black shirt and blue jeans
- Baseball hat and full-face covering
- Exposed holstered handgun on his hip
- Two additional handgun magazines
According to the report, Mullen was engaged in a verbal exchange with students, at one point telling them to “grow up and act like adults.” He reportedly told officers he was upset about flags allegedly hitting his vehicle, although the reporting officer stated no such contact was observed.
Students reportedly became agitated, chanting and following Mullen, believing he was affiliated with ICE.
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Statements Documented in Police Report
The Chandler Police report documents statements attributed to Mullen regarding his intentions during the encounter:
- He allegedly stated his plan was to allow protesters to assault him so arrests could be made
- He indicated the incident would be recorded on video
- He referenced additional individuals arriving in support, some allegedly armed with rifles
- He stated a goal of having protesters arrested if laws were violated
Authorities have not publicly confirmed the context or full scope of these statements beyond what is documented in the report.
Arrest of Student and Case Outcome
During the incident, a teenage girl allegedly threw a cup of water at Mullen from a short distance. Initial public information described the object as a water bottle; however, the police report specifies it as a cup.
The student was detained at the scene and later released to a parent.
According to the county attorney’s office:
- Misdemeanor charges for assault and disorderly conduct were submitted
- The case was declined due to “no reasonable likelihood of conviction”
Mullen reportedly indicated to officers at the scene that he wished to pursue charges.
Official Statements
Phoenix Police Commander Mercedes Fortune issued the following statement:
- “The Phoenix Police Department has been made aware of an incident involving Sergeant Mullen that took place while off-duty in a neighboring city.”
- “The matter is currently under review by our Professional Standards Bureau.”
- “Sergeant Mullen remains an employee of the department.”
Mullen’s attorney, Steve Serbalik, stated:
- The matter is under investigation by the Professional Standards Bureau
- Mullen is cooperating as required by department policy
- He will not comment further during the internal process
- He expects the investigation to consider all relevant factors
Employment Background
Court records cited in reporting indicate that Mullen has been employed with the Phoenix Police Department since at least 2011.
Current Status
- Internal investigation ongoing by Phoenix Police Professional Standards Bureau
- Sergeant Mullen remains employed
- No criminal charges filed against Mullen
- Juvenile case against student declined by prosecutors
FAQ
Was Sergeant Mullen on duty during the incident?
No. Authorities confirmed he was off-duty at the time.
Is there an active criminal case against the officer?
No criminal charges have been announced against Sergeant Mullen.
What happened to the student who was detained?
The case was submitted for misdemeanor charges but declined due to insufficient likelihood of conviction.
Who is investigating the incident?
The Phoenix Police Department’s Professional Standards Bureau is conducting the internal review.
Has the officer been suspended or terminated?
As of now, he remains employed with the department. No disciplinary outcome has been publicly announced.
Continue the Analysis
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