Two Crawford County Sheriff's deputies suspended over beating caught on video

A video showing a South Carolina man beaten that surfaced Sunday on social media has resulted in two Crawford County Sheriff's deputies being suspended and a Mulberry police officer placed on leave, the sheriff and Mulberry police chief reported.

The Arkansas State Police and U.S. Justice Department are now investigating the use of force after the video was posted on social media by Naomi Ruth Johnson.

The man being arrested and beaten in the video was identified as Randal Ray Worcester, 27, of Goose Creek, South Carolina. Worcester is seen in the video on the ground under two deputies and a Mulberry police officer about 10:30 a.m. Sunday at the Kountry Xpress, 1107 Georgia Ridge Drive.

Zack King and Levi White were identified by the sheriff's deputies in the video and Thell Riddle was identified as the officer from Mulberry.

Worcester was released from the Crawford County Jail Monday afternoon, a jailer said.

Rinda Baker, Crawford County Prosecuting Attorney, released a statement Monday afternoon that said the behavior of the law officers is not tolerated.

"This office recognizes the horrific nature of the activity portrayed by the video. Despite the activity that is shown in the video, these officers are presumed innocent at this time," the statement reads.

Baker stated that no decisions about charges will be made until that investigation is complete.

"If or should charges be filed, then this office will alert the public that a decision has been made. Those involved in the criminal aspects of the case will be confidential until such a point that there is a decision that charges will be filed. This matter will simultaneously be investigated as a personnel issue. That portion of the investigation will be handled internally by the appropriate agencies," the statement reads.

In a news conference Monday addressing violent crime in Arkansas, Gov. Asa Hutchinson commented on Worcester's arrest.

"First of all, that is reprehensible contact in which a suspect is beat in that fashion," Hutchinson said. "We saw a glimpse of that. It is under investigation. We don't have all of the details. Certainly, that suspect had a history of concern that was legitimate for the officers. But that response was not consistent with the training they received as certified officers."

He said the U.S. Attorney's office and the Civil Rights division of the U.S. Department of Justice will conduct a separate investigation.

A news release from the Arkansas State Police Sunday night stated:

"The Arkansas State Police has opened an investigation into the use of force by two Crawford County sheriff’s deputies and a Mulberry police officer in the arrest of a South Carolina man. The incident occurred about 10:40 a.m. today (Sunday) outside a Crawford County convenience store in Mulberry. The investigation was initiated at the request of the 21st Judicial District prosecuting attorney."

Worcester was taken to an area hospital for examination and treatment, then he was later booked at the Crawford County Jail in Van Buren, state police reported.

Worcester was jailed on complaints of second degree burglary, resisting arrest, refusal to submit, possessing an instrument of crime, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, terroristic threatening, and second degree assault, according to Arkansas state police. His bail was set at $15,000. An attorney from Fort Smith, Carrie Jernigan reported Monday work was being completed to get Worcester out of jail in the same county where the deputies worked.

What we know: Arkansas police video sparks investigation into incident. Here's what we know

The state police reported that an investigation will be limited to the use of physical force by the deputies and police officer. Upon completion of the investigation, the case file will be submitted to the Crawford County prosecuting attorney who will determine whether the use of force by the law enforcement officers was consistent with Arkansas laws, the statement reads.

"Questions relating to the identity of the three law enforcement officers and their administrative status should be directed to their respective departments where they are employed."

The incident reportedly started in Alma Sunday where police there reported a man had threatened convenience store employees and then rode a bicycle to Mulberry.

Alma Police Chief Jeff Pointer said Monday he could not release a report on the incident there because it is part of the overall, ongoing investigation.

In a statement Sunday evening, Mulberry Police Chief Shannon Gregory said the officer involved is on leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

In a social media post Sunday, Crawford County Sheriff Jimmy Damante stated, "In reference to the video circulating social media involving two Crawford County deputies, we have requested that Arkansas State Police conduct the investigation and the deputies have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. I hold all my employees accountable for their actions and will take appropriate measures in this matter."

The video shows three law officers on top of Worcester who is punched in the head and kneed several times. An officer points at the person with the camera and orders it turned off.

Hutchinson said the investigation will continue.

"This is not what our law enforcement community represents. It's not the proper response and they will be reviewed and appropriate action taken," Hutchinson said.

Celina Tebor, USA Today breaking news reporter, contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Two Crawford Sheriff's deputies suspended over beating on video