Audio Tape Released Of Surgeon General’s Arrest

An audio file of the confrontation and arrest of Arkansas Surgeon General Joe Thompson by the Little Rock Police Department will no doubt be a major piece of evidence in an upcoming court hearing.

Thompson is to appear in court on Thursday on charges of resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and attempting to influence a public servant.

In the audio recording of the police encounter, Thompson is called out of his house by the police and explains his concerns regarding a private security guard parked outside of his house on the public street.

More than once, Thompson attempts to return inside his house from his front porch but officers refuse to allow him to before making his arrest.

The audio recording does portray a much different picture than the police report, which claims “Thompson took an aggressive and hostile stance” toward law enforcement. The report also states Thompson “began to yell” at the officers, although it appears Thompson remains fairly calm despite raised voices by members of law enforcement.

Michael Hibblen with our content partner, KUAR-FM 89 News, has more in this report, including the audio of the exchange.