The video blew up when it was posted to social media on Sunday, showing an officer and two deputies as they pinned a man to the ground and repeatedly struck him outside a convenience store. Crawford County Sheriff Jimmy Damante said to the media, announcing two of his deputies would be suspended while Arkansas state police and the sheriff’s office investigate the incident.
“About the video circulating social media involving two Crawford County deputies, we have requested that Arkansas State Police conduct the investigation, and the deputies have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation,” Damante’s office announced. “I hold all my employees accountable for their actions and will take appropriate measures in this matter.”
Reports on the incident say that the beaten man was 27-year-old Randall Worcester, who was approached by the cops after being accused of making threats. He was hospitalized after his violent arrest but was subsequently jailed on charges including second-degree battery, resisting arrest, and refusal to submit.