An influencer cop who received a lifetime achievement award from former President Joe Biden has been arrested on a domestic battery charge.
North Little Rock officer Tommy Norman — who has more than 5 million followers on social media — was booked after his wife accused him of hitting her during an argument just before midnight Saturday, according to an arrest report obtained by the Arkansas Democrat Gazette.
The 27-year veteran, known for his upbeat persona and neighborhood outreach, has since also been placed on leave while being held in Pulaski County jail, according to records.
When authorities arrived at the cop’s home, Norman’s wife told them her husband, 53, hit her on the right side of her chest with the back of his hand, according to the arrest report from the Democrat Gazette.
The victim appeared to suffer a slight injury that was visible on her chest, according to the report.
Norman claimed to authorities he was only trying to defend himself, insisting his wife was slapping him during the argument and he tried to block them, the arrest report states.
He’s facing a charge of third-degree domestic battery, according to court records.
The administrator for Norman’s Facebook page cautioned followers to rush to their own conclusions.
“I understand emotions are running high. It’s frustrating not to have all the answers right away, especially with the topics at hand,” the post stated.
“But the process does not allow transparency until it is complete. I ask that everyone wait for the facts before making judgments.”
Norman has been an online fixture in his Arkansas community – and across the Web – for years for his community policing approach and charity to the underprivileged.
Following the conviction of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd, Norman told THV 11 “the ultimate goal is for police departments and the community to be a family.”
“You want people in the community to see you as a human being,” Norman added. “At the end of the day, it’s not so much about the badge on your chest, but it’s about your heart. That’s who you are.”
He received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from the Biden White House in November 2021 along with more than a dozen other recipients for his volunteerism and police work.
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