Arkansas State Trooper Sued After Dashcam Shows Him Tackle and Punch 18-Year-Old During Traffic Stop

Dashcam footage that circulated online shows Arkansas State Trooper Moisses Arellano tackling and striking 18-year-old Alisa Hackett during a traffic stop on State Highway 18 near Manila on Aug. 1. Hackett has filed a civil lawsuit alleging multiple claims, including battery and constitutional violations, after the encounter was widely shared on social media.

What Happened

According to reporting from ABC affiliate KATV and other outlets, Trooper Arellano stopped Hackett shortly before 11 p.m. on Aug. 1 after clocking her at 71 mph in a 60 mph zone. Officers noted that Hackett's hazard lights were on, her license plate was obscured, she was not wearing a seat belt, and there was a sealed bottle of liquor on the front seat.

Video shows the traffic stop escalate after Hackett exited the vehicle. Arellano’s use-of-force report, cited by CBS News, states: "After giving multiple commands for her to roll over without compliance, I delivered one closed-fist strike to the left side of her face in an attempt to gain compliance." Dashcam audio captures Hackett saying, "You cannot punch me in my face," and Arellano responding, "Who said I can't punch you in your face?" He is later heard saying he would strike her again if she did not comply.

Legal Action and Calls for Investigation

Hackett's complaint lists six counts against Arellano, including alleged violations of constitutional rights, retaliation and battery, according to KATV. Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump — who has represented other high-profile families — has been retained by Hackett and is demanding a public use-of-force investigation by Arkansas State Police.

Benjamin Crump (Instagram): "Arkansas State Police must explain to the public how this level of force was a reasonable response to a teenager during a traffic stop."

Reactions and Agency Response

The NAACP released a statement calling for an independent investigation after reviewing the video and the agency’s use-of-force report. Arkansas State Police say they are conducting an internal review; reporting from CBS affiliate WKRC indicates Arellano has not been placed on administrative leave.

The lawsuit and public outcry have driven renewed attention to use-of-force policies during routine traffic stops and to how law enforcement handles nonviolent encounters.

What’s Next

The case is now advancing through the civil court process while calls continue for a transparent, independent inquiry into the officer’s actions. Authorities and Hackett’s legal team have not provided additional publicly confirmed details about disciplinary steps or timelines for the review.