Newly Appointed Arkansas Police Chief Resigns After Viral Video Incident

Osceola's former police chief faced backlash for slapping a man in a wheelchair during a confrontation.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:09am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a police badge or handcuffs against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash to create a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A viral video of a police chief's use of force against a man in a wheelchair has sparked outrage and calls for reform in Osceola, Arkansas.Osceola Today

The newly appointed police chief of Osceola, Arkansas, Robert Ephlin, has resigned just 13 days into his new role after a viral video showed him slapping a man in a wheelchair and putting him in a headlock during a confrontation. The incident sparked outrage in the community, leading the mayor to call for an independent review and appoint an interim police chief.

Why it matters

The incident has raised concerns about use of force by police, especially against vulnerable individuals. It has also put a spotlight on the leadership and conduct of the city's police department, which the mayor says does not reflect the community's values.

The details

The video allegedly showed Ephlin standing over Danarius Williams, a paraplegic man, after police were called to the Hyatt Apartments in Osceola following reports that Williams' son and wife had been threatened. In the footage, Williams is seen telling Ephlin to 'get your F–king hands off me' before Ephlin slaps him, causing his head to jerk to the side. Seconds later, Ephlin is seen putting Williams in a headlock as bystanders react in anger.

  • On April 10, 2026, Ephlin handed in his resignation letter to Mayor Joe Harris Jr.
  • Ephlin was sworn in as Osceola's police chief on March 26, 2026.

The players

Robert Ephlin

The former police chief of Osceola, Arkansas, who resigned after a viral video showed him slapping a man in a wheelchair and putting him in a headlock.

Danarius Williams

A paraplegic man who was involved in the confrontation with former police chief Robert Ephlin, which was captured on video.

Joe Harris Jr.

The mayor of Osceola, Arkansas, who expressed outrage over the incident and called for an independent review.

Wells Scaggs

The interim police chief of Osceola, appointed by Mayor Harris after Ephlin's resignation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It pissed me off. I'm going to just say it, it did.”

— Joe Harris Jr., Mayor of Osceola, Arkansas

“He smacked me, he smacked the hell out of me, and then choked me. You came behind me in a chair. I'm a paraplegic, can't feel anything, can't do anything from the belly button down.”

— Danarius Williams

“I most definitely thought he could have choked me to death. I can't do anything … I can't run from you. I can't get away.”

— Danarius Williams

What’s next

Mayor Harris has called for an independent review of the incident by an outside agency, and has appointed Wells Scaggs as the interim police chief.

The takeaway

This incident has raised serious concerns about the use of force by police, especially against vulnerable individuals, and has put a spotlight on the leadership and conduct of the Osceola Police Department. The community is committed to moving forward and ensuring that such incidents do not define the city.