Video Shows Moment State Trooper Throws 18-Year-Old Black Woman to the Ground and Punches Her in the Face

**Teenager’s Arrest in Arkansas Provokes Outrage Following Violent Encounter with State Trooper**

In a troubling incident in Arkansas, an 18-year-old woman’s arrest has raised significant concerns, prompting calls for an investigation into the actions of a state trooper. The event unfolded on August 1, 2023, when local resident Alisa Hackett was pulled over by Trooper Moisses Arellano late in the evening following an alleged speeding violation.

According to available reports, Hackett was driving along State Highway 18 near Manila at a speed of 71 mph in a 60-mph zone, with her hazard lights activated. Reports indicate that Hackett claimed to be rushing home due to a broken window. However, Trooper Arellano’s account of the stop cited additional concerns, including her purported lack of a seatbelt, possession of a sealed bottle of liquor, and a covered license plate.

During the encounter, Arellano reportedly contacted colleagues who revealed that Hackett had been stopped for similar reasons days earlier. Despite the option to issue a citation, the officer decided to arrest her, claiming that she resisted his requests. Footage from the arrest depicts Hackett in distress, repeatedly asking the trooper what she had done wrong, as she pleaded for the opportunity to contact her mother.

As tensions escalated, Arellano was seen throwing Hackett to the ground, subsequently punching her in the face while ordering her to turn over. The video shows Hackett crying out in disbelief, insisting that he could not hit her and once again asking to call her mother. The trooper responded with aggressive commands, and when Hackett protested, he allegedly stated, “Said who? Who said I can’t punch you in your face?”

The officer’s own report confirms that he struck Hackett in an attempt to gain compliance after she apparently failed to heed his commands. He noted that after the closed-fist strike, she continued to resist and did not roll over as directed. This use of force has been met with significant criticism, especially given the circumstances of the encounter.

Footage of the incident further captures Hackett’s pleas for help, as she cried out for her mother. In the video, the officer could be heard demanding she turn around, dismissively telling her to “shut up” and accusing her of “acting like a real child.” This portrayal of the interaction has drawn attention to the manner in which law enforcement officers engage with young individuals.

Hackett was ultimately taken into custody, facing multiple charges: improper display of tags, a restriction on vehicle lamps, failure to wear a seatbelt, possession of alcohol as a minor, and resisting arrest. Her attorney, Ben Crump, is now advocating for an official investigation into the violent encounter, urging a review of the applicable use-of-force policies within the Arkansas State Police.

Crump has condemned the actions taken by Trooper Arellano, labelling the response as excessive, particularly towards a teenager during what should have been a routine traffic stop. He questioned the rationale behind the officer’s behaviour, insisting that if a trained officer cannot manage a situation involving a young woman without resorting to physical violence, that officer should reconsider their role in law enforcement.

The Arkansas State Police have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident or whether an investigation will be conducted into the trooper’s actions, leaving many community members seeking answers. Crump’s call for accountability has resonated widely, drawing attention to broader discussions about police conduct and the treatment of minors in potentially volatile situations.

As the situation develops, many remain watchful of further developments concerning the investigation into this alarming confrontation. Community leaders and advocates for police reform continue to stress the importance of appropriate training and accountability within law enforcement, particularly in interactions involving vulnerable populations. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges that continue to exist in policing practices across the United Kingdom and the United States alike.