August 22nd 2022
Arkansas: Three officers suspended after video shows beating
by bbc news
Arkansas State Police have launched an investigation after three local law enforcement officers were seen on video badly beating a man during an arrest.
One of the officers repeatedly punches the man in the head and even bashes his head against the pavement.
The officers were identified as Deputy Zack King, Deputy Levi White of the Crawford County Sheriff's office and Mulberry police officer Thell Riddle.
All three have been removed from active duty as they face investigation.
A video of the arrest has been viewed millions of times on social media and sparked outrage. While one officer beats the suspect another repeatedly knees the man in the back. Both are dressed in the uniform of the Crawford County Sheriff's office.
The third officer restrains the man on the ground while this takes place.
One Twitter user alluded to the case of George Floyd, a black man who was murdered in police custody in 2020, leading to worldwide protests.
A woman who is not seen in the video can be heard saying: "Don't beat him! He needs his medicine!"
One officer responds with an expletive while another orders her to get in her car.
The person who posted the video online said her sister witnessed the altercation in the town of Mulberry.
State police identified the man who was arrested as 27-year-old Randall Worcester.
Police said that when officers confronted him, he pushed a deputy to the ground and punched the back of his head, leading to the arrest seen in the video.
The suspect was taken to hospital and faces terroristic threatening, resisting arrest and other assault charges, police said.
