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An Arkansas State Police trooper took 18-year-old Alisa Hackett to the ground and punched her in the face during a traffic stop, video published by THV11 News shows.
Hackett, who is Black, was pulled over Saturday (August 1) near Manila, Arkansas, after Trooper Moisses Arellano said he clocked her driving 71 mph in a 60-mph zone. The THV11 video shows Arellano taking Hackett to the ground before striking her in the face.
According to the police report, Hackett initially stepped out of her vehicle without incident. Arellano wrote that she began asking what she had done as he tried to take hold of her wrist. He said she pulled her arms away as he attempted to handcuff her.
Hackett filed a federal civil rights lawsuit Monday (August 10), alleging that Arellano used excessive force during the arrest.
The lawsuit names Arellano individually and alleges violations of Hackett’s Fourth Amendment rights over excessive force and her First Amendment rights over retaliation.
The complaint alleges that Arellano retaliated against Hackett after she questioned why she was being stopped and criticized his actions. It also alleges that Hackett was unarmed, did not attempt to flee, and never struck, kicked, spit at, bit, or threatened Arellano. Her attorneys characterize her resistance as “passive and reflexive” and argue that she posed no immediate threat.
Hackett initially was represented by attorney Luther Sutter before retaining civil rights attorney Ben Crump later that day. She is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, along with attorney’s fees and other costs, and has requested a jury trial.
Arellano’s use-of-force report, obtained by NEA Report, acknowledges that he struck Hackett with a closed fist because she would not roll onto her stomach. He then drew his taser and activated its laser without firing it.
Hackett was later booked on five charges, including refusal to submit to arrest and underage alcohol possession, according to jail records cited by Crump’s office.
Emergency medical personnel evaluated Hackett at the scene, NEA Report noted, and although there “were no visible injuries,” the lawsuit alleges she later experienced bruising, pain, anxiety, sleep disturbances and emotional distress.
Crump is calling for Arkansas State Police to investigate the use of force and make its findings public.
“The blow is not in dispute,” Hackett’s lawsuit states. “What is in dispute is whether the Constitution permitted it. It did not.”
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