An Arkansas police officer has been dismissed from duty following allegations of violently assaulting a detainee inside a patrol vehicle.
At a Glance
- Officer Joseph Harris was terminated after being caught on video assaulting a handcuffed inmate in his patrol car.
- The video shows Harris elbowing and punching the detainee, Billy Lee Coram, and slamming the car door on his head.
- Harris had previously been suspended for using excessive force and is a defendant in a wrongful death lawsuit.
- The case will be referred to the local prosecutor, and the FBI’s Little Rock office has been contacted.
- The incident has sparked public outrage and calls for systemic police reform.
Incident Details and Immediate Actions
Officer Joseph Harris was caught on video assaulting a detainee, Billy Lee Coram, inside a patrol vehicle, leading to his immediate termination. The surveillance footage shows Harris elbowing and punching Coram, who was handcuffed and in a hospital gown, and slamming the car door on his head. Coram was seen choking himself with a seatbelt before the assault.
The incident has drawn attention from both local and national entities. The Jonesboro Police Department took swift action by firing Harris and announcing plans to request the state to decertify him as a police officer. The department made the video public in the interest of transparency. Police Chief Rick Elliott expressed his shock and dismay at Harris’ actions, stating, “I was just shocked and appalled by his actions.”
The Jonesboro Police Department in Arkansas has terminated an officer after he was seen on video physically assaulting a detainee in the back of a patrol vehicle. https://t.co/Sr9b4bleqO
— WKOW 27 News (@WKOW) August 14, 2024
Community Reactions and Demands for Reform
The community response was immediate and forceful. The public, including members of the NAACP, have voiced their anger and demanded systemic reform within the police force. Mayor Harold Copenhaver expressed his disappointment and supported the decision to terminate Harris. The incident has intensified calls for greater police accountability and transparency. Community forums and discussions are being organized to address these concerns.
"The serious nature of the complaint necessitated prompt action." https://t.co/Ua8ed07eQq
— ABC4 News (@abc4utah) August 13, 2024
Coram, the detainee, is wanted for extradition to Mississippi and is currently detained on an escape charge. In the video, he appeared panicked and agitated, repeatedly asking officers for help and claiming he had swallowed fentanyl. The officer’s dismissive response to Coram’s concerns only added to the outrage. The detainee was initially unresponsive after the assault, raising serious questions about the use of force in this situation.
Arkansas police officer fired after video shows him assaulting inmate in patrol car https://t.co/dlU9AULPhA
— FOX 5 San Diego (@fox5sandiego) August 14, 2024
Broader Implications and Future Steps
Beyond the immediate incident, this case highlights broader issues of police conduct and community relations. The Jonesboro Police Department has pledged to restore public trust through continued transparency and accountability. The department has acknowledged that the termination of Officer Harris could set a precedent for handling similar cases and may lead to new policies to prevent such incidents in the future.
The outcome of this case will likely influence public discourse on police reform and potentially lead to legislative changes. There is a strong push for systemic reform and stricter oversight within police departments to ensure such misconduct is not repeated. Public trust in law enforcement hangs in the balance as communities nationwide watch closely to see how this incident will shape policy and perception.
