An Arkansas police officer was fired by Jonesboro Police Chief Rick Elliott after a video surfaced showing the officer brutally assaulting a handcuffed inmate in the back of his patrol car. The incident occurred as the inmate, Billy Lee Coram, was being transferred from a local hospital back to the county jail.
Officer Joseph Harris was caught on patrol car video punching, elbowing, and slamming the car door on Coram, who was wearing a hospital gown and choking himself with a seatbelt wrapped around his neck. The video, which was reviewed by Chief Elliott after a complaint from the county sheriff’s office, showed Harris using excessive force against the inmate.
Elliott, shocked and appalled by Harris’ actions, immediately terminated the officer and referred the case to prosecutors. Coram, who was held on escape charges and out-of-state warrants, sustained injuries from the beating, although the extent of his injuries was not disclosed.
This is not the first time Harris has faced disciplinary action. He was suspended two years ago for using excessive force and is currently a defendant in a wrongful death lawsuit related to an inmate who died in the Craighead County jail earlier this year.
In response to the incident, Chief Elliott has contacted the FBI’s Little Rock office and plans to ask the state to decertify Harris as a police officer. He is also preparing to send paperwork to the local prosecutor for further action.
The Jonesboro Police Department posted the video of the incident on its YouTube page, emphasizing that such behavior will not be tolerated within the department. The jail where Coram was being held did not provide any additional information about the inmate’s condition or legal representation.
Overall, the swift action taken by Chief Elliott in response to Officer Harris’ misconduct demonstrates the department’s commitment to upholding the law and ensuring accountability among its officers. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in law enforcement to maintain public trust and safety.
