By Joanna Putman
Police1
ROGERS, Ark. — Arkansas State Police have released dash camera footage from a traffic stop that led to an officer-involved shooting, KATV reported.
The footage was made public on Sept. 18 after Benton County Prosecutor Joshua Robinson determined that Trooper Alexandria Duncan’s use of force was legally justified, according to the report.
The incident began when Duncan attempted to stop a 26-year-old suspect on July 27 for speeding at 114 mph. According to police, the suspect initially failed to stop despite Duncan activating her emergency lights and sirens.
After eventually pulling over, video shows the suspect with his hand on the gearshift, prompting Duncan to remove his keys to prevent him from driving away. When the suspect refused commands to exit the vehicle and resisted arrest, Duncan deployed her TASER.
Video shows the suspect and Duncan continuing to struggle on the ground as Duncan repeatedly told the suspect to roll onto his stomach and put his hands behind his back. Duncan used the drive-stun function of her TASER multiple times in an attempt to subdue the suspect.
The suspect can then be seen wrestling the TASER from Duncan and throwing it into oncoming traffic. He also kicked her in the head multiple times.
A bystander witnessed the altercation and attempted to assist Duncan, video shows. The woman retrieved Duncan’s TASER and brought it to her before attempting to physically assist in the suspect’s arrest.
After the altercation continued, Duncan drew her firearm and fired one shot, striking the suspect in the right temple.
Despite being wounded, the suspect continued to resist arrest until backup arrived. He was transported to Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas for treatment before being taken into custody, according to the report. Toxicology reports revealed his blood-alcohol content was .16, twice the legal limit, and cannabinoids were also present.
The suspect is currently being held at the Benton County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center. Trooper Duncan was treated for non-life-threatening injuries sustained during the incident, according to the report.