Henryetta Police Chief Defends Officer's Arrest Tactics

Body camera footage shows suspect resisting arrest, police say

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A video circulating on social media showing a Henryetta police officer arresting a suspect in a gas station parking lot has drawn public attention, prompting a response from Henryetta Police Chief Steve Norman. Norman said the body-camera footage shows the suspect, Ramone Hester, repeatedly refusing to comply and resisting arrest, leading the officer to use defensive tactics like forearm strikes. The chief expressed frustration with how the incident has been portrayed online, saying short video clips can lack critical context.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the public over use of force, with both sides arguing that the full context is needed to properly evaluate the officers' actions. It also raises questions about how social media can shape public perception of policing incidents.

The details

According to the police report, the incident involved Ramone Hester, who had an active warrant related to a domestic violence case. When the officer attempted to detain Hester, he repeatedly refused to comply and resisted arrest. The officer reportedly suffered an injury during the altercation, and the body camera was knocked loose. Police said the officer used defensive tactics, including forearm strikes, after Hester continued to resist and would not give up his hands.

  • The incident occurred over the weekend in a gas station parking lot in Henryetta, Oklahoma.

The players

Steve Norman

The Henryetta Police Chief who responded to the incident and defended the officer's actions.

Ramone Hester

The suspect who was arrested and had an active warrant related to a domestic violence case.

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What they’re saying

“We are human beings too, and we are trying to protect ourselves so that we can go home every night.”

— Steve Norman, Henryetta Police Chief (Tulsa television station)

“As things move this way, where you only see a certain portion of a video that appears to paint the officer in a negative light … it's shallow.”

— Steve Norman, Henryetta Police Chief (Tulsa television station)

What’s next

The department continues to emphasize that the incident is best understood in its entirety rather than through short social media clips, and the investigation is ongoing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing law enforcement's need to protect themselves and the public with the public's desire for transparency and accountability around use of force incidents. It underscores the importance of considering the full context of such encounters, rather than relying solely on partial video footage shared on social media.