VIDEO: Detention Officer Hospitalized in Jail Altercation That Led to Felony Charge

JONESBORO, Ark. — Jail surveillance video obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request shows an encounter between an inmate and detention officers that is described in a probable cause affidavit filed in connection with a felony battery charge.

Advertisement
Advertisement

According to the affidavit, the incident occurred Jan. 4, 2026, while a detention officer was conducting a cell check in the M4 housing unit at the Craighead County Detention Center. Officer Kaleb Rogers observed inmate Anthony Thomas using the phone without wearing a required uniform while outside his bunk.

The affidavit alleges Rogers instructed Thomas to put on his uniform and return to his cell, but Thomas did not comply and instead walked toward the control pod to speak with another inmate.

According to the affidavit, officers again ordered Thomas to comply. The document states that when Rogers attempted to place Thomas in handcuffs, Thomas allegedly pulled away. The affidavit further alleges Rogers removed a blanket Thomas had around his shoulder due to continued noncompliance.

The affidavit alleges Thomas resisted officers’ attempts to gain control and struck Rogers in the head with his elbow. Officers then took Thomas to the ground in an attempt to place him in handcuffs, but the affidavit states Thomas continued to resist.

The affidavit says Thomas struck Officer Jayden Lafarlett approximately five times in the head while officers attempted to subdue him. Lafarlett deployed his Taser in an effort to gain compliance.

Thomas was ultimately handcuffed and escorted from the unit. Rogers was described as having suffered minor injuries. Lafarlett was transported to St. Bernards Medical Center, where he was diagnosed with a concussion, according to the affidavit.

Thomas was charged with second-degree battery, a Class C felony. Bail in the case was set at $50,000 cash or surety by District Judge David Boling. His next court date is scheduled for Feb. 27.

Jail records show Thomas was originally arrested on charges of failure to register or failure to comply with reporting requirements, along with assisting other agencies on a warrant from outside the county.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.