Three Arkansas police officers were suspended following social media outrage over a video apparently showing them assaulting an arrested suspect.
Crawford County Sheriff Jimmy Damante said two county deputies and a Mulberry officer were suspended.
In the footage, too distressing to show, the three agents are shown pinning Randall Worcester, 27, to the ground and punching him repeatedly, sometimes with clenched fists.
Officers claimed that when confronted with Worcester, he pushed an officer to the ground and punched him in the back of the head, leading to his arrest.
Worcester was treated in hospital but then discharged. He has now been charged with several crimes including assault and resisting arrest.
Investigations into the incident are underway.
A statement from the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office states, “In reference to the video circulating on social media involving two Crawford County deputies, we asked Arkansas State Police to conduct the investigation and the deputies were suspended. pending the outcome of the investigations.
“I hold all my employees accountable for their actions and will take appropriate action in this regard.”
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson tweeted, “I have spoken with Colonel Bill Bryant of the Arkansas State Police and the Crawford County local arrest incident will be investigated based on video evidence and the prosecutor’s request. “.
