EUDORA, Arkansas (TCD) — A police chief was indicted on a felony kidnapping charge for allegedly handcuffing and beating a man who had previously caused a disturbance and leaving him on the road.
Arkansas State Police announced that Eudora Police Chief Michael Pitts surrendered to the Chicot County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday, January 30, on suspicion of kidnapping.
On October 26, 2023, Fitz was called to a local gas station with a request to “remove a man who was interfering with business.” According to a probable cause affidavit, Pitts went to a gas station and arrested a man named John Hill Jr. on charges of criminal trespassing, public intoxication and terroristic threats. Fitz was preparing to put him in his patrol car, but because he had a car bumper in the back seat, he “faced an unexpected challenge.” Fitz took the bumper out, put the heel in, and tried to fit the car parts into the back, but “it became apparent that it wasn't going to fit.”
Pitts released Hill despite the presence of other Eudora Police Department officers at the scene.
Hill reportedly told investigators he was walking down the street when Pitts “intercepted” him. Pitts allegedly handcuffed Hill, put him in a patrol car and took him to another location. The affidavit alleges that Pitts “communicated to Mr. Hill his intention to physically assault him, stating that he was going to 'beat him.'”
When they arrived at County Road 86, Pitts “forcibly dragged him from his patrol unit and brutally assaulted him, causing serious injuries to his face and head.”
After the alleged beating, Pitts left Hill off the road and drove away.
Hill told investigators he was holding a crack pipe but dropped it when Pitts hit him. Investigators later discovered a crack pipe in the same area.
According to cellular data, Pitts was reportedly at the location of the assault. Surveillance video reportedly shows Pitts driving a Dodge Charger near a Southern Sips Too grocery store. Hill said he left his hat in his vehicle, but on Oct. 27 it was reportedly found near a Southern Sips Too dumpster.
The 10th Judicial District Attorney's Office contacted the Arkansas State Police in November and asked the Special Investigations Unit to investigate Hill's claims.
Pitts has served as Eudora Police Chief since April 2022.
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