Arkansas State Police have fired an officer who was captured on video assaulting a handcuffed inmate in the back of a patrol car, the police chief confirmed Tuesday.
Jonesboro Police Chief Rick Elliott confirmed that he has fired Officer Joseph Harris and referred the case to prosecutors following the incident involving inmate Billy Lee Coram, who was reportedly suffering from fentanyl. According to The incident, which was captured on police vehicle video, video Body camera footage showed Harris allegedly using excessive force against Collum, who was trying to harm himself by strangling himself with a seat belt.
An officer who was caught on video beating a handcuffed inmate in the back of a patrol car has been fired and the case has been sent to prosecutors, Arkansas' police chief said. https://t.co/D20X11x3ri
— NBC News (@NBCNews) August 13, 2024
“We were wrong today and we'll be wrong next week. Some whistleblowing reports are not clear on video. Often it takes days. But in this case, nothing was really needed. It was enough to know he should not be employed as a law enforcement officer. We'll gather the facts after the fact,” Elliott told NBC News. (Related: Video shows Russian police botch an officer being dragged by a car)
NEW YORK: Arkansas police officer fired after video shows him beating handcuffed man inside patrol car
The detainee reportedly said he had fentanyl in his system and needed to return to the hospital.
In front of Officer Joseph, he is seen trying to strangle himself with his seat belt… pic.twitter.com/f4X6QONIIF
— Unlimited L (@unlimited_ls) August 13, 2024
The video shows Harris elbowing Corum and slamming a car door into his head. Elliott acted quickly after learning of the incident, firing Harris just hours after reviewing the footage on Friday. NBC News reports that the case has been turned over to local prosecutors and the FBI for further investigation.
Coram remains in custody and is seeking extradition to Mississippi to face escape-related charges. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 27, according to NBC News.
