A newly appointed police chief in Osceola, Arkansas, has resigned after a viral video surfaced appearing to show him striking a man in a wheelchair during a heated confrontation, prompting public outrage and an ongoing investigation.
Robert “Bobby” Ephlin, who had been sworn in as police chief less than two weeks earlier, stepped down from his position after the footage began circulating widely online.
The incident reportedly took place earlier in the week when officers responded to a disturbance involving local resident Danarius Williams. Video recorded by bystanders shows a tense exchange between Ephlin and Williams, who uses a wheelchair.
During the confrontation, Ephlin appears to slap Williams, and witnesses say the situation quickly escalated.
Williams later described the encounter, saying, “He smacked me,” and maintained that he did not physically engage with the officer.
Additional reports indicate that Ephlin may have also placed Williams in a headlock during the altercation, further intensifying criticism after the footage spread across social media.
Osceola Mayor Joe Harris Jr. confirmed that Ephlin submitted his resignation shortly after the video became public. In a resignation letter, Ephlin stated that stepping down was “the best thing” for himself and his family and offered to assist with the transition.
Mayor Harris said he was “blindsided” by the video and emphasized that the behavior shown does not reflect the standards expected of city employees.
He also announced that an independent investigation would be conducted to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
City officials have since moved to appoint interim leadership within the police department as the investigation proceeds.
The video has sparked significant backlash within the community and online, with many calling for accountability and transparency. Witnesses at the scene said the footage was shared widely, fueling demands for action.
Officials have not yet announced whether criminal charges will be filed, but the mayor has indicated that appropriate action will be taken following the results of the external review.
The case remains under investigation.
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