LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division is investigating two separate incidents concerning improper use of force by officers in Helena-West Helena and Johnson County.
The Helena-West Helena Police Department (HWHPD) requested ASP to investigate an alleged 'improper use of force' incident on December 19, 2023, that led to the recent termination of four officers.
Chief Vincent Bell stated that the firings were related to the arrest of Tyler Orr, according to reports from CBS affiliate WREG.
Orr was released from jail on Friday, February 9, 2024, and is working with a Little Rock lawyer for the alleged police misconduct case.
“At one point they removed my client from the back of the police car, only to have him pepper sprayed three times,” said Luther Sutter, Orr's lawyer.
Upon reviewing body cam footage, Chief Bell said the officer’s actions warranted the terminations of the four officers.
The HWHPD has submitted documents to the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training requesting the decertification of all four officers.
In a separate incident, the Fifth Judicial Prosecuting Attorney's office requested ASP’s Special Investigation Unit to investigate an alleged 'improper use of force' incident involving a Johnson County detective on or around January 26, 2024.
In both cases, ASP special agents will present their findings to prosecuting attorneys for review.
This investigation is currently underway. We will update this article with more information as it becomes available.