Judge Denied a West Memphis Cop's Request for Immunity for Kicking a Handcuffed Black Man in the Head. Strawboss Mayor Rehired the Fired Unwanted Cop to Impose Mandatory Service on Citizens (Subjects)

A federal court in Arkansas denied summary judgment to Cecil Langston, a West Memphis police officer on his request for qualified immunity from liability for excessive force claims by Cheezy Pulliam, a Black handcuffed motorist he allegedly kicked in the head. When West Memphis Police Officer Cecil Langston attempted to stop plaintiff Cheezy Pulliam’s car, Pulliam fled and Rash joined in the pursuit. Pulliam’s car ultimately came to a stop and he was arrested by officer Taurus Harvell. Pulliam states that when Rash arrived at the scene, Lnagston kicked Pulliam in the head while Pulliam was lying on the ground in handcuffs.

After a disciplinary hearing, the police chief fired the officer. The city’s mayor, Marco McClendon, overruled the chief, reinstated the officer, gave him a 10-day suspension and ordered him to attend anger management classes. He is denied qualified immunity because “it is clearly established that an arrestee lying on the ground in handcuffs has a right not to be kicked in the head.” [MORE]