Arkansas Governor Hutchinson opens probe into three officers seen beating suspect in viral video

Governor Asa Hutchinson announced Monday that the state has opened a federal probe into a viral video showing three Arkansas police officers beating a suspect. A criminal investigation has been launched into this violent incident, according to the governor.

Hutchinson stated that the footage of an officer punching suspect Randal Worcester in the head, slamming his head into concrete, and while another officer kicks him will be investigated by The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Civil Rights Division. A third officer was seen restraining him.

The governor called the video “appalling and reprehensible,” and said that those involved will be held accountable.

“There is no place in law enforcement for this type of violence,” Hutchinson said in a statement. “I have full confidence in the Arkansas State Police to investigate this incident and ensure that justice is served.”

The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, and the state police will be conducting an independent investigation. Hutchinson said that he has asked the FBI to assist in this case.

Crawford County deputies Zack King and Levi White, as well as Mulberry police officer Thell Riddle, were identified as the three cops involved. They have all been relieved of duty pending investigation.

An argument over an understaffed market led to the arrest of a 33-year-old Worcester man, who was charged with assault and battery on a police officer. According to reports, while the altercation was going on, he spat in the face of a store employee and threatened them, prompting cops to attend. Police said that before the violent arrest that was recorded on video, Worcester assaulted an officer.

“I have seen the video of the arrest, and it is reprehensible,” Hutchinson said in a statement. “I have full confidence in the Arkansas State Police to investigate this incident thoroughly and provide their findings to prosecutors.”

If the officers are found to have used excessive force, they will be held accountable, Hutchinson added.

The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Arkansas will be conducting the investigation, a DOJ spokesperson confirmed to ABC News.

“The Department of Justice is committed to investigating allegations of excessive force by law enforcement officers and will take appropriate action if there is a sufficient federal legal basis to do so,” the spokesperson said.