A video of a man receiving a police beating that went viral on social media resulted in the suspension of two Crawford County Sheriff’s deputies, according to the sheriff’s office.
In the video, a law enforcement officer repeatedly punches the man and repeatedly slams his head against the cement ground. Another officer can be seen repeatedly kicking the man’s lower body, while a third officer is seen holding the man down.
Two of the officers are Crawford County sheriff’s deputies, and the third is a Mulberry Police Department officer, according to law enforcement.
The incident began in Alma on Sunday, when police reported that a man threatened convenience store employees before riding his bicycle to Mulberry.
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson confirmed that the “arrest incident” will be investigated by state police.
“I have spoken with Col. Bill Bryant of the Arkansas State Police and the local arrest incident in Crawford County will be investigated pursuant to the video evidence and the request of the prosecuting attorney,” he tweeted.
Crawford County Sheriff’s Office stated on social media on Sunday, “We have requested that Arkansas State Police conduct an investigation into the video circulating on social media involving two Crawford County deputies, and the deputies have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. I hold all of my employees accountable for their actions and will take appropriate action.”
Mulberry Police confirmed in a separate statement that the incident captured on video involving one of its officers, who has since been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of a state police investigation.
“The Mulberry Police Department and the City of Mulberry take these investigations very seriously and hold all of their officers accountable for their actions,” officials said in a Facebook post. “At the conclusion of the investigation, we will take the appropriate actions.”
