Full Breakdown
Arkansas Trooper’s Use-of-Force Video Sparks Lawsuit and Calls for Investigation
8/12/2026, 12:04:56 PM
The Incident on August 1, 2026
On August 1, 2026, Arkansas State Police Trooper Moisses Arellano stopped 18-year-old Alisa Hackett on State Highway 18 near Manila after observing her traveling 71 mph in a 60-mph zone with hazard lights on, not wearing a seatbelt and a sealed bottle of alcohol visible in the passenger seat. After issuing citations, Arellano ordered Hackett out, instructed her to place her hands on the trunk, and attempted to handcuff her. The dash-cam audio captures Hackett repeatedly asking to call her mother and protesting a punch, while Arellano responds with profanity and threatens additional strikes.
Legal Complaint and Charges
Hackett filed a federal civil-rights lawsuit later that week, naming Arellano individually and alleging violations of her First and Fourth Amendment rights under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. The complaint lists six counts, including excessive force, retaliation for protected speech, unlawful seizure, abuse of process and battery. Hackett seeks compensatory and punitive damages, attorney’s fees, expert fees, court costs and interest, and has requested a jury trial. She remains charged with resisting arrest, minor possession of alcohol, speeding, seat-belt violation, improper license-plate display and improper hazard-light use.
Official Responses
Arkansas State Police announced an internal review but have not placed Arellano on administrative leave. ASP spokesperson Cindy Murphy said:
> “We do not confirm Office of Professional Standards investigations until and unless an OPS review results in the suspension or termination of an employee.” — Cindy Murphy, ASP spokesperson
The department declined further comment.
Data & Statistics
- Speed recorded: 71 mph in a 60-mph zone.
- Violations cited: speeding, seat-belt non-use, minor possession of alcohol (Arkansas Code 3-3-203).
- Charges against Hackett: five misdemeanor counts plus a resisting-arrest citation.
Criticism & Opposition
The NAACP called for an independent investigation, release of unedited video, administrative leave for Arellano, dismissal of Hackett’s charges, and a review of ASP use-of-force practices and racial disparities.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Arellano’s report characterizes Hackett as “resisting,” claiming she “threw a clipboard” and “pulled her arm away” when he attempted to handcuff her. The dash-cam footage, however, shows Hackett complying with the order to place her hands on the trunk, then repeatedly asking, “Sir, what did I do?” and pleading to call her mother. No independent body has yet reviewed prior use-of-force reports involving Arellano.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Arkansas State Police have to explain to the public how that is a reasonable response to a teenager at a traffic stop.” — Ben Crump, civil-rights attorney
- “This trooper slammed an 18-year-old girl to the ground and punched her in the face,” — Ben Crump
What’s Next
Arkansas State Police’s internal review will determine whether an Office of Professional Standards investigation is warranted. The federal lawsuit proceeds in district court, where Hackett’s claims of excessive force and First-Amendment retaliation will be adjudicated. Advocacy groups continue to demand the release of all unedited body-camera footage and a transparent assessment of ASP’s use-of-force policies.
