On Oct. 3, a traffic enforcement patrol by Arkansas State Police in Osceola resulted in a forceful arrest of Lonnie F. Dabney III, 38, of Gilmore. Trooper Moisses Arellano documented the encounter in a written use‑of‑force report, which was obtained by NEA Report through the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Reason for the Stop

At about 1:30 p.m., Trooper Arellano observed a maroon 2017 Dodge Challenger with what he described as improper tint on the rear and side windows. The vehicle stopped at a stop sign in the median travel lane of West Keiser Avenue before crossing onto Plantation Drive. After checking the vehicle’s registration, the trooper initiated the stop when the car proceeded onto Plantation Drive.

Arellano noted that he recognized the driver, observed that the driver was not wearing a seat belt, and informed him that the registered owner’s driver’s license was suspended. Dabney presented an Arkansas Department of Transportation identification badge but did not hand over his driver’s license when asked, instead questioning why it was needed.

Escalation of Force

When Dabney began using his cellphone, the trooper requested backup and reiterated the request for a license. Dabney responded, “Nah.” Arellano attempted to open the driver’s door; the tinted window lowered about an inch, allowing the trooper to see that Dabney was recording the encounter.

According to the report, the trooper returned to his patrol vehicle, retrieved a baton, and struck the lower right corner of the driver’s window, shattering it and then striking the remaining glass twice more to create an opening. He then held Dabney at gunpoint while ordering him to exit the vehicle. Dabney continued recording, shouted expletives, and refused to leave.

After approximately five commands, the trooper activated his conducted energy weapon (commonly called a stun gun) with an audible and visual warning. Dabney began exiting the vehicle with his hands raised, still holding his cellphone, and repeatedly shouted, “I’m getting out! I’m getting out!” The trooper gave about five additional commands for Dabney to lie on the ground. Dabney moved backward, looking back toward the trooper, prompting the officer to interpret the movement as a potential flight risk.

Stun‑Gun Discharge

Arellano reported firing five cartridges: the first two aimed at Dabney’s left chest and left knee, which did not achieve neuromuscular incapacitation. The third grazed his right forearm, the fourth traveled over his shoulder, and the fifth struck his right buttocks. The fifth cartridge made contact just before Dabney became fully prone and delivered a five‑second discharge, causing his body to lock up and an involuntary yell.

Following the discharge, the trooper moved toward Dabney, who went limp. The officer holstered the weapon but left its wires connected in case further discharge was needed. Dabney was then handcuffed after the trooper positioned his arms.

Injuries and Aftermath

The report documented puncture wounds near Dabney’s left chest, left knee, right buttocks, a graze on his right forearm, and a small cut near the bridge of his nose, which appeared consistent with a possible cut from broken glass. Medical personnel evaluated Dabney, cleared him for transport, and he was taken to the Osceola Police Department city jail.

The incident report lists allegations of obstructing governmental operations, refusal to submit to arrest, driving on a suspended license, improper window tint, and failure to wear a seat belt. As of Oct. 22, no court booking record for Dabney was found in the state’s CourtConnect system. A search of Trooper Arellano’s name revealed several other cases involving the officer since the Oct. 3 stop.

Community Context

This encounter underscores the challenges law‑enforcement officers face when motorists resist compliance during traffic stops. The trooper’s actions, as described in the official report, were intended to ensure officer safety and prevent potential flight, while also documenting injuries sustained by the driver.

Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.