FAST FACTS:
(West Memphis 3/9/2010) A former Marianna resident claims a West Memphis Police Officer beat him after a police chase.
Willis Puckett filed a federal complaint against the City of West Memphis, Police Chief Bob Paudert as well as one of his officers.
Puckett says he was one of two passengers inside a mini-van May 23, 2007. Investigators say the driver, Gary Williams, led cops on a chase that ended near the I-55 bridge after Williams jumped out a passenger window and fell about 70 feet to his death.
Puckett alleges things turned violent as the vehicle came to a stop. According to the complaint, he says officers smashed out the back glass of the vehicle and ordered him and another man to the ground.
He says an officer handcuffed him, and then punched and kicked him.
"You can sue for anything, doesn't mean it's true," said Captain Donald Oakes of the West Memphis Police Department.
He says this is the first he's heard of the allegations. He says he can't comment much on the case because they haven't received a copy of the lawsuit yet. However, he questions why Puckett waited three years to file it.
"It's interesting it would come to light at this time," said Capt. Oakes.
According to the complaint, Puckett says he never resisted arrest and was never charged with any crime.
He claims he was beaten by an officer in full view of any dash camera. However, video of the alleged beating was never found.
"There is no proof required to file a lawsuit, there is proof required to win a lawsuit, so we'll see what proof is brought forward," said Capt. Oakes.
It's unclear just how much Puckett is asking for in damages. He now lives in Dallas. His attorney, Bill Stanley out of Jonesboro, declined comment.
- Former Marianna resident files federal complaint
- Accuses West Memphis officer of beating him after a police chase
- West Memphis says they haven't received the lawsuit yet
(West Memphis 3/9/2010) A former Marianna resident claims a West Memphis Police Officer beat him after a police chase.
Willis Puckett filed a federal complaint against the City of West Memphis, Police Chief Bob Paudert as well as one of his officers.
Puckett says he was one of two passengers inside a mini-van May 23, 2007. Investigators say the driver, Gary Williams, led cops on a chase that ended near the I-55 bridge after Williams jumped out a passenger window and fell about 70 feet to his death.
Puckett alleges things turned violent as the vehicle came to a stop. According to the complaint, he says officers smashed out the back glass of the vehicle and ordered him and another man to the ground.
He says an officer handcuffed him, and then punched and kicked him.
"You can sue for anything, doesn't mean it's true," said Captain Donald Oakes of the West Memphis Police Department.
He says this is the first he's heard of the allegations. He says he can't comment much on the case because they haven't received a copy of the lawsuit yet. However, he questions why Puckett waited three years to file it.
"It's interesting it would come to light at this time," said Capt. Oakes.
According to the complaint, Puckett says he never resisted arrest and was never charged with any crime.
He claims he was beaten by an officer in full view of any dash camera. However, video of the alleged beating was never found.
"There is no proof required to file a lawsuit, there is proof required to win a lawsuit, so we'll see what proof is brought forward," said Capt. Oakes.
It's unclear just how much Puckett is asking for in damages. He now lives in Dallas. His attorney, Bill Stanley out of Jonesboro, declined comment.
