Arkansas: Three cops suspended after video emerges showing them allegedly assaulting a suspect | US News
Three Arkansas police officers have been suspended following social media outrage over a video that appeared to show them assaulting a suspect in custody.
Crawford County Sheriff Jimmy Damante said two county deputies and a Mulberry officer have been suspended.
In the footage, which is too distressing to show, three officers are shown pinning Randall Worcester, 27, to the ground and repeatedly punching him, sometimes with clenched fists.
Officers testified that when they confronted Worcester, he pushed a deputy to the ground and punched him in the back of the head, leading to his arrest.
Worcester was treated at the hospital but was later discharged. He has now been charged with several counts including assault and resisting arrest.
An investigation into the incident is underway.
A statement from the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office said: “In connection with a video circulating on social media involving two Crawford County Representatives, we have asked the Arkansas State Police to conduct an investigation and The House of Representatives has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
“I hold all my employees accountable for their actions and will take appropriate measures in this regard.”
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson tweeted: “I spoke with Colonel Bill Bryant of the Arkansas State Police and the local arrest in Crawford County will be investigated based on video evidence and a request from prosecutors. .”
