Arkansas State Trooper Sued Over Alleged Assault During Traffic Stop

Traffic Stop Incident Sparks Legal Action

A federal lawsuit was filed this week against an Arkansas State Police trooper by an 18-year-old woman who alleges he used excessive force during a traffic stop on August 1, 2023. Alisa Hackett claims that Trooper Moisses Arellano “slammed her to the ground and struck her in the face” despite her being unarmed and posing no threat.

According to the lawsuit, Hackett was pulled over in Mississippi County, Arkansas for allegedly driving at 71 mph in a 60 mph zone. The traffic stop escalated quickly when Arellano claimed Hackett became argumentative, throwing a clipboard at him and resisting when he attempted to handcuff her. Despite these accusations, the lawsuit asserts that her actions did not warrant such a forceful response.

“Arellano struck her because she talked back to him — because she questioned him, objected to what he was doing, and declined to be silent while he did it,” the lawsuit reportedly states. It emphasizes that using a closed-fist blow on an unarmed individual is not allowable, particularly in response to a verbal disagreement.

In his use-of-force report, which has been cited in the lawsuit, Arellano confirmed delivering “one closed-fist strike to the left side of her face in an attempt to gain compliance.” He claimed that after the strike, Hackett continued to resist, pulling her wrists away. Attorney Benjamin Crump, representing Hackett, has called for a thorough investigation into the incident.

Legal and Community Repercussions

After her arrest, Hackett was booked at 12:51 a.m. on August 2 on multiple charges, including improper display of tags and refusal to submit to arrest. Crump argues that the charges filed against Hackett were initiated to shield Arellano from potential disciplinary action and civil liability.

“Arkansas State Police have to explain to the public how that is a reasonable response to a teenager at a traffic stop,” Crump commented, condemning the incident and drawing attention to concerns over police conduct in situations involving young individuals.

Following the incident, representatives of the Arkansas State Police have not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the lawsuit or the specifics of the case. NBC News attempted to reach Arellano for his perspective but was unable to make contact, raising further questions about transparency in this incident.

Ongoing Concerns Over Police Conduct

The lawsuit against Arellano adds to a growing dialogue about police force and public accountability, particularly regarding interactions with minority communities and vulnerable populations. As the case unfolds, it is likely to draw significant attention both locally and nationally, highlighting the need for clear policies governing police conduct during routine traffic stops.

The Arkansas State Police have yet to initiate an internal review of the incident, although pressure mounts to address these allegations seriously. As of now, the legal proceedings are in their initial stages, with further developments expected as new information comes to light.