The Arkansas State Police has opened an investigation into the use of force by two Crawford County sheriff’s deputies and a Mulberry police officer in the arrest of a South Carolina man, a press release on Sunday said.
The incident occurred about 10:40 AM Sunday outside a Crawford County convenience store in Mulberry. Video of the incident quickly went viral on social media.
The investigation was initiated at the request of the 21st Judicial District prosecuting attorney.
Video shows three law enforcement officers punching, kneeing, and even slamming the skull on the pavement of a suspect during the arrest.
Randall Worcester, 27, of Goose Creek, South Carolina was transported to an area hospital for examination and treatment, then later released and jailed at Van Buren. Worcester is charged with 2nd degree battery, resisting arrest, refusal to submit, possessing an instrument of crime, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, terroristic threatening, and 2nd degree assault.
The state police investigation will be limited to the use of physical force by the deputies and police officer. Upon completion of the investigation, the case file will be submitted to the Crawford County prosecuting attorney who will determine whether the use of force by the law enforcement officers was consistent with Arkansas laws.
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