OSCEOLA, Ark. — Less than two weeks after being sworn in, Robert “Bobby” Ephlin is already the former Osceola police chief.
Reports from WREG, K8, and WMC confirmed that he resigned effective Wednesday morning over the controversy caused when he slapped a paraplegic man in the face and placed him in what was described as a choke-hold.
Ephlin’s letter of resignation said the following, according to WREG:
“I hear by resign my position as Chief of the Osceola Police Department effective immediately. It was an honor to be chosen by you to serve in your administration. However, I feel that as this point, the best thing for me and my family is for me to step away. I am available to assist you in any way that I can to assure a smooth transition. I wish you and your administration continues success with all of the great things going on here in Osceola.”
Ephlin took the job on March 26 after the mayor fired the former police chief. However, an April 6 video of him slapping a man in a wheelchair caused an uproar across social media.
“He smacked me, he smacked the hell out of me, and then choked me…” Danarius Williams, the man in the wheelchair, said, according to WREG.
Arkansas State Police has not commented on whether they are investigating the matter.
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