Little Rock Officer Questioned After Allegedly Asking Suspect About ‘Problem With White People.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A police investigation that began with a reported disturbance at a Little Rock convenience store on May 15 has drawn attention following an encounter between officers and a 26-year-old man accused of assaulting another customer.

According to the police report, Little Rock police responded shortly after 5 p.m. to a disturbance at a Sunoco convenience store on West Roosevelt Road. Officers were initially told that 26-year-old Clifton Shelton had allegedly attempted to take a Black & Mild cigarillo from the store. The clerk reportedly declined to pursue a theft complaint.

An off-duty Pulaski County sheriff’s deputy who was at the store reportedly recognized Shelton and purchased the cigarillo for him.

Police said Shelton subsequently refused to provide his identification and appeared confrontational before leaving the area.

The situation escalated after officers received a report that a 56-year-old man had been struck near the store. The man reportedly described his attacker as wearing a red hockey jersey and a hat with ear flaps — clothing that police said matched what Shelton had been wearing.

At approximately 5:41 p.m., Officer Katelyn Brewer located Shelton and began questioning him about the earlier incident.

According to the report, Brewer followed Shelton as he walked away and questioned him about whether he had a problem with white people while discussing the reported assault. The officer also allegedly challenged Shelton about whether he wanted to fight and told him that she had the “right people” there.

The encounter, as described in the police report, raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the officer’s interaction with Shelton and the conduct of the investigation.

The allegations described in the report have not, by themselves, established that Shelton committed the reported assault, nor do the allegations against Officer Brewer constitute a finding of misconduct. Any criminal charges, disciplinary proceedings, or subsequent findings would need to be considered separately from the initial police account.

This story is based on the details provided in the police report and should be updated as additional court records, police statements, or official findings become available.