Arkansas cop fired after being caught on video beating a man in back of patrol car

In a disturbing incident, a police officer in Jonesboro, Arkansas, has been terminated after being caught on video assaulting a handcuffed inmate in the back of a patrol car. The officer, identified as Joseph Harris, was fired by Jonesboro Police Chief Rick Elliott following the release of the footage, which has raised serious concerns about police conduct and accountability.

The incident occurred after Harris apprehended Billy Lee Coram, a 42-year-old inmate, who had escaped from custody while receiving medical care for suspected fentanyl ingestion. Coram, dressed in a blue hospital gown, was being transported back to the county jail when the altercation took place. The video, which has since been made public, shows Coram in distress, attempting to choke himself with a seatbelt in the back of the patrol car. In response, Harris is seen opening the car door and striking Coram multiple times in the face and body, using both his fists and elbows. The footage also captures Harris slamming the car door against Coram’s head.

Chief Elliott, upon reviewing the footage, expressed his shock and dismay at Harris's conduct, stating, "I'm not proud of what the officer did, but I’m not going to hide it." He emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, leading to Harris's immediate dismissal. Elliott also informed the Greene County Prosecutor, Sonia Hagood, about the incident, and she is reviewing the footage to determine whether charges should be filed against Harris. Additionally, the FBI's Little Rock office has opened an investigation into the matter.

The video, which is nearly 12 minutes long, depicts Coram visibly distressed, claiming that he had ingested fentanyl and expressing fear for his life. He is heard pleading with the officers, saying, "Are y'all trying to kill me?" to which an officer in the front of the vehicle responds dismissively. Coram’s anxiety escalates as he wraps the seatbelt around his neck, attempting to harm himself, which leads to Harris's violent response.

In the aftermath of the incident, Mayor Harold Copenhaver expressed his shock and disappointment, calling Harris's actions "inexcusable" and supporting Chief Elliott's swift decision to terminate the officer. "We expect more from our officers," Copenhaver stated, reinforcing the city's commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct within the police department.

This incident is not Harris's first encounter with allegations of excessive force. In 2022, he was suspended for 22 hours after being recorded throwing a man to the ground outside a nightclub in Jonesboro. Furthermore, Harris is named in a lawsuit filed in June, which alleges misconduct in a separate case involving the death of a man in custody.

Coram remains in custody at the Craighead County Jail, facing escape charges and awaiting extradition to Mississippi for outstanding warrants. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 27. It is unclear if Coram has legal representation at this time.

The Jonesboro Police Department has announced its intention to have Harris decertified and listed in a national database to prevent him from obtaining future law enforcement positions. Attempts to reach Harris for comment have been unsuccessful.

The incident has reignited debates over police use of force and the mechanisms in place to hold officers accountable for misconduct. As investigations continue, the community and authorities alike are grappling with the implications of this troubling event and the steps necessary to prevent similar occurrences in the future.