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Witnesses tell Senate committee a soldier‑style officer aimed an M‑16 at a Black couple near Governor's Mansion
Summary
James Andre Pendleton and Kia Cooley testified that during protests a uniformed man pointed an M‑16 with a laser at them while they were driving near the Governor's Mansion; they say follow‑up meetings with the local chief and state police left them dissatisfied and without a clear discipline outcome.
Two witnesses testified they were stopped near the Governor's Mansion during protests and that a person in military‑style gear pointed what they described as an M‑16 rifle with a bright light and laser at their car.
James Andre Pendleton, identified himself as an insurance agent and real‑estate investor, told the Senate Judiciary Committee he was returning home when a man in fatigues and a helmet stepped into the street, raised an M‑16 and held a laser on his passenger. "He never said stop. The only thing he did was pointed an M 16 rifle at us with a bright light on the gun and the laser pointed at Kia's chest," Pendleton said.
Kia Cooley, a registered nurse at UAMS, testified she feared for her life and that the subsequent meeting with the North Little Rock chief "felt really, really dismissed"; she said the video she sought was said to be property of the Governor's Mansion and that she was told any footage was only a short clip. "I didn't sleep last night at all... I'm being chased by the police," Cooley said.
Committee follow‑up: Committee members asked whether formal complaints had been filed. Pendleton and Cooley said they had mailed a certified letter to the state police and the governor's office; they said they were told an internal review identified an officer who represented the North Little Rock Police Department but that they had not seen a disciplinary outcome. The witnesses said they requested to view video of the stop and were told they could, but the available clip was described as only 13 seconds.
Why it matters: The witnesses urged clearer, timely processes for civilian complaints and more transparent follow‑up. Committee members said the hearing was intended to gather testimony so the legislature could determine whether further investigation or statutory changes were needed.
Ending: The committee asked staff to gather and provide further information and noted additional questions would follow; no investigative conclusion was reached during the hearing.
