Crawford County sheriff defends deputies

Crawford County Sheriff Jimmy Damante released a video statement Thursday defending the violent arrest made by two of his deputies and a Mulberry police officer that was caught on video by a bystander and has resulted in a civil rights violation investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Deputies Zach King and Levi White have been suspended from Crawford County and police officer Thell Riddle has been suspended from the Mulberry Police Department.

Randal Ray Worcester, 27, was arrested by the law officers in Mulberry Sunday, Aug. 21 after threats were reportedly made against an Alma store clerk 11 miles west of Mulberry. Worcester is beaten on the ground with blows to the head and side as he lay on the ground.

CIVIL RIGHTS PROBEMulberry, Arkansas video of police beating sparks civil rights probe, excessive force case

ATTORNIES RESPONDAttorney for Arkansas deputies claims more video in Mulberry excessive force arrest

In the statement released Thursday, Damante defended the actions of the deputies and highlighted Worcester’s history of criminal convictions on violent offenses, including past assault and battery on a police officer.

He said Worcester, who had a knife, aggressively tackled a deputy who hit his head on concrete and suffered a concussion.

“The criminal then punched the deputy in the head,” Damante said. That was when the bystander started to take video of the arrest. But that video did not catch any of the aggression by Worcester, Damante stated.

“The citizen video is troubling to watch, as is often the case when officers are trying to arrest a violent criminal who has a history of assaulting police,” Damante said. “I understand that many people who have seen the video have concerns about the use of force used.”

Worcester is serving a three year suspended sentence from Cleveland County, Oklahoma where he was arrested by an Oklahoma City police officer in July 2021. Worcester was jumping in front of cars on an interstate when a police officer confronted him July 7, 2021, and the officer was punched in the face, according to an Oklahoma City police report.

Story continues

Damante said he will cooperate with state and federal authorities investigating the arrest in Mulberry from Sunday, Aug. 21.

RALLY PLANNEDRally for man beaten by Arkansas law officers planned in Van Buren Saturday

CLERK DETAILS THREATSConvenience store clerk details threats made before man beaten in violent Arkansas arrest

“We will fully cooperate with them. Of course, we will also cooperate with federal authorities who are reviewing the matter,” Damante said. He said law did not require him to suspend the deputies.

Worcester was treated for scrapes and bruises but he did not suffer a concussion. He was taken to a hospital and then to the Crawford County Jail. Worcester has posted $15,000 bail and he has been released. He faces charges being filed against him in connection with the alleged threat in Alma. His attorney David Powell of Fort Smith said he is working to get any charges filed dismissed.

Damante said his own staff is also looking at the actions of the deputies in an internal investigation.

Meanwhile, civil rights advocates plan to rally at the Crawford County Courthouse in Van Buren at noon Saturday.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Sheriff defends law officers in violent arrest case