Police officer on administrative leave pending outcome of ASP investigation

A Forrest City Police Officer is on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of an Arkansas State Police investigation into a incident in which he allegedly struck a woman with his patrol car.

Forrest City Police Officer Russell Hinsley was involved in the incident that occurred about 6:30 p.m., on Monday, Jan. 31.

According to reports, Hinsley was attempting to stop a vehicle driven by Lauren Casey, 28, when she reportedly wrecked the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot near the intersection of Garland and Division streets. First responders found Casey lying on the ground, complaining of back pain. Casey was taken by ambulance to Forrest City Medical Center and later transferred to Regional One Medical Center in Memphis where she was treated and released on Tuesday.

ASP Spokesman Bill Sadler said special agents were contacted by the Forrest City Police Department on Monday “requesting a use of force investigation related to an incident involving one of their officers.”

The State Police investigation will be limited to the allegation that Casey was struck by a Forrest City police vehicle as she attempted to flee on foot after abandoning a vehicle that was being pursued by Forrest City police, according to Sadler.

“Upon completion of the investigation, the case file will be submitted to the St. Francis County prosecuting attorney who will determine whether the use of force by a law enforcement officer was consistent with Arkansas laws,” he added.

Hinsley is also the police chief in Parkin.

Contacted this morning regarding Hinsley’s status as police chief, Parkin Mayor Diane Patterson said she was unaware of the investigation in Forrest City involving Hinsley and that he was still employed by the city’s police department.

“Since I did not know about it, it will not affect his job here until I address this with the council,” said Patterson.

Brodie Johnson • Times-Herald St. Francis County Clerk Brandi McCoy organizes packets for candidates to pick up if they want to seek public office in St. Francis County. The filing period for county positions and school board seats begins on Tuesday, Feb. 22, and continues until noon on Tuesday, March 1. The filing period is for the May 24 primary. The filing period for city positions, such as mayor, clerk and council, is May 4 through 22. Those positions will be decided in the November election.