Osceola’s brand-new police chief, Robert “Bobby” Ephlin, is already in crisis mode. Just weeks after taking the job, he is now the subject of an investigation after a viral video that surfaced Monday night appears to show him slapping a man in a wheelchair. The clip spread quickly across social media and has city leaders scrambling for answers.
Mayor Orders Outside Review
On Tuesday, Mayor Joe Harris Jr. said he has called in outside help to look into what happened. He requested an independent investigation “to ensure all the facts are collected and evaluated in a fair, transparent and accountable manner,” according to K8 News. Harris added that he would not comment further until that review is finished.
Video Shows Apparent Strike
The viral footage, shared hundreds of times online, appears to show Ephlin striking a man seated in a wheelchair while other officers look on, LocalMemphis reported. The clip includes graphic content and has drawn intense attention and criticism across social platforms.
Chief Was Sworn In Weeks Earlier
The controversy erupted almost as soon as Ephlin settled into the job. He was sworn in as Osceola’s police chief in late March, after being appointed by Mayor Harris, and publicly talked about his intentions to rebuild trust between the department and residents, according to K8 News. The outlet noted that before taking over in Osceola, Ephlin spent nearly 20 years with the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office and also served with the Blytheville Police Department.
What Happens Next
City officials say any disciplinary or administrative steps will hinge on the findings of the outside investigation. Reporters have also pushed for clarity at the state level. LocalMemphis reported that media outlets reached out to the Arkansas State Police to confirm whether a formal state probe was underway and were still awaiting a response at the time of publication.
