A video showing an Arkansas state trooper punching an 18-year-old woman has attracted public attention. The incident occurred during a traffic stop on August 1, involving Trooper Moisses Arellano and Alisa Hackett from Osceola. Hackett has since filed a federal lawsuit and engaged civil rights attorney Ben Crump.

Crump criticized the trooper’s actions, describing how Arellano forcefully brought Hackett to the ground and struck her with a closed fist. This intervention was reportedly a response to Hackett’s refusal to roll onto her stomach. Crump urged state police to explain Arellano’s actions publicly, questioning the appropriateness of such force against a teenage girl.

“This trooper slammed an 18-year-old girl to the ground and punched her in the face,” Crump told Newsweek.

The use-of-force report confirmed Arellano’s use of a closed fist. Video footage, which may be disturbing to some viewers, documents the events. Arellano reportedly stopped Hackett for speeding on Highway 18 near Manila. He questioned her use of hazard lights. Hackett explained she was using them due to vehicle issues. Meanwhile, an unsealed bottle of alcohol was found in her car.

The situation escalated when Hackett asked what she had done wrong. Arellano responded by attempting to restrain her, leading to her being taken to the ground after she repeatedly questioned the situation. She requested to call her mother, which was refused.

The trooper employed force, holding Hackett down while demanding compliance. He punched her when she continued to question the situation. Hackett asked multiple times to call her mother, which the officer denied.

Hackett now faces several charges, including improper display of tags and possession of alcohol by a minor. The charges are pending. Her attorney, Crump, is pushing for an investigation into the trooper’s use of force.

Cindy Murphy, a spokeswoman for Arkansas State Police, confirmed Trooper Arellano remains on duty, offering no comment on the lawsuit. The NAACP also called for a full review of the arrest, demanding transparency and the release of complete recordings.

“Accountability is not an attack on law enforcement— it is essential to public trust,” stated the NAACP.

Hackett experiences ongoing emotional and physical distress due to the incident and is seeking damages through a jury trial. Her mother, Angie Gavin, insists her daughter followed instructions during the encounter.

Trooper Arellano, who joined Arkansas State Police less than a year ago, has not responded to requests for comment. Attorney Crump argues for Arellano’s removal from active duty during the investigation.