Group Alleges Officer Shocked Cow
Last updated Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:34 PM CST in News
By Don Dailey
The Morning News
The Rogers Police Department is investigating an allegation a ranking officer used a stun gun on a cow and distributed video of the incident among department employees.
Police Chief Steve Helms said Tuesday he has begun an inquiry into allegations by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals that Lt. David Mitchell filmed himself firing an electronic stun device at a cow.
Helms said a captain in the department will conduct the investigation and Mitchell will continue his regular duties for the time being. Helms declined to talk about the details of the allegation.
Mitchell did not return phone messages left Tuesday on his department voice mailbox.
PETA representative Stephanie Bell sent Helms a letter of complaint dated Feb. 11 saying the organization had been contacted by a source affiliated with the department who reported the incident and claimed Mitchell distributed the video as a joke among friends and co-workers. The letter refers to an Arkansas law that makes the cruel mistreatment of animals a misdemeanor.
Mayor Steve Womack and City Attorney Ben Lipscomb also got copies of the letter.
Lipscomb said the incident on which the allegations are based happened two and a half years ago, beyond the statute of limitations for misdemeanors.
Womack said Tuesday he has not seen the video, but he expects a full investigation into the matter to be conducted. ÒThe allegations brought by PETA have merit, based on information provided me by more than one person,Ó he said.
The mayor said his biggest concerns are over the apparent inappropriate use of a police department weapon against an animal and the possibility that MitchellÕs superiors knew about the incident and disciplinary action was not taken.
Womack said that if he is not satisfied with the outcome of the investigation he may Òchoose to further involve himself.Ó
Lipscomb said that although he has not seen it, heÕs Òpretty much sure there is a video.Ó
Bell said Tuesday no one at PETA had seen the video, but the group believes the person who made the complaint is a reliable source. Bell declined to name the informant.
The Morning News' John Henley Jr. contributed to this report.
Reader Comments (135 comment(s))
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justalocal wrote on Feb 19, 2008 8:10 PM:
NAKED TRUTH wrote on Feb 19, 2008 8:47 PM:
ironfortified wrote on Feb 19, 2008 8:48 PM:
rzrbackfan101 wrote on Feb 19, 2008 8:53 PM:
native44 wrote on Feb 19, 2008 9:16 PM:
a BIG B U L L.....? "
justalocal wrote on Feb 19, 2008 9:18 PM:
SODIUM PENTOTHAL wrote on Feb 19, 2008 9:22 PM:
ace-in-the-whole wrote on Feb 19, 2008 9:53 PM:
Liz wrote on Feb 20, 2008 6:48 AM:
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dragonfly wrote on Feb 20, 2008 7:25 AM:
dragonfly wrote on Feb 20, 2008 7:38 AM:
2fedup wrote on Feb 20, 2008 10:00 AM:
ozarks wrote on Feb 20, 2008 10:20 AM:
dragonfly wrote on Feb 20, 2008 10:27 AM:
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NAKED TRUTH wrote on Feb 20, 2008 10:38 AM:
2fedup wrote on Feb 20, 2008 10:46 AM:
justalocal wrote on Feb 20, 2008 10:54 AM:
I would rather read news that happens today rather than something minor from 2 1/2 yrs ago.
Now a loaded gun in a bathroom for a child to pick up is a different story why didn't we get to read that? He must be running for Sheriff or something!!! "
2fedup wrote on Feb 20, 2008 11:04 AM:
dragonfly wrote on Feb 20, 2008 11:13 AM:
justalocal wrote on Feb 20, 2008 11:23 AM:
Since this story is so important the Morning News posted it not just once but twice, so you need to click on news and read the first print of this story as we are on the second printing... what I was refering to was:
NAKED TRUTH wrote on Feb 19, 2008 9:48 PM:
" I want to know why the Morning News failed to report the story of a certain sheriff's candidate whose gun was found in a public restroom and turned over to the Bentonville PD. "
"
ozarks wrote on Feb 20, 2008 11:23 AM:
NAKED TRUTH wrote on Feb 20, 2008 11:27 AM:
ozarks wrote on Feb 20, 2008 11:29 AM:
justalocal wrote on Feb 20, 2008 11:32 AM:
Ozark... Panera has a great veggie sandwich so you can keep all the animals happy!! LOL And NO I am not a vegetarian!! "
NAKED TRUTH wrote on Feb 20, 2008 11:45 AM:
ozarks wrote on Feb 20, 2008 12:06 PM:
NAKED TRUTH wrote on Feb 20, 2008 12:37 PM:
2fedup wrote on Feb 20, 2008 1:11 PM:
justalocal wrote on Feb 20, 2008 1:20 PM:
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2fedup wrote on Feb 20, 2008 1:27 PM:
2fedup wrote on Feb 20, 2008 1:29 PM:
justalocal wrote on Feb 20, 2008 2:36 PM:
not sure if he resigned or what!!
"
dragonfly wrote on Feb 20, 2008 3:27 PM:
Oh by the way, we couldn't have a club sandwich because it has turkey on it and they (turkeys) are mentally challenged (they seem to open their mouths and drown while it rains). PETA maybe trying to get them into therapy so we need to give them turkeys a fighting chance. I meant the actual turkey ( the animal). Sorry I know that one was not near as good as 2 birds with one stone. I just had to try something. If I hear anymore on the Deputies for Truth I will let you know.
And all you others that have the info. that we don't-- YOU NEED TO SHARE. My fingers are tired of trying to find all this info. "
justalocal wrote on Feb 20, 2008 4:01 PM:
International Traveler wrote on Feb 20, 2008 5:02 PM:
International Traveler wrote on Feb 20, 2008 5:04 PM:
cybertech wrote on Feb 20, 2008 6:47 PM:
It amazes me the things that PETA comes up with to keep themselves in the limelight. I find it funny though that they think they are healthier than us meat and veggie eaters. lol
I would rather be a carnivore than a salad shooter any day. lol
As well if this claim is true, it is a misdemeanor and if I remember correctly the statute of limitations is 2 or 3 years.
As well cattle prods are a heck a lot more potent than Taser anyway and I agree there are a lot more important things to worry about. If this was somebodies pet I could understand but most likely this was a cow that would or did eventually end up on a restaurant menu anyway. "
ozarks wrote on Feb 20, 2008 7:43 PM:
family guy wrote on Feb 20, 2008 8:30 PM:
justalocal wrote on Feb 20, 2008 9:13 PM:
I am not on Ferguson's campaign crew heck I probably wouldn't know him if I met him on the street... didn't realize Mitchell was running... might have to give up my Andy Lee vote!!! :)
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rzrbackfan101 wrote on Feb 20, 2008 9:20 PM:
stellingbelle wrote on Feb 20, 2008 9:24 PM:
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stellingbelle wrote on Feb 20, 2008 9:26 PM:
justalocal wrote on Feb 20, 2008 9:30 PM:
NAKED TRUTH wrote on Feb 20, 2008 10:34 PM:
dragonfly wrote on Feb 21, 2008 8:10 AM:
Nakedtruth--It doesn't matter how many mommies the kids have. All that matters is they are loved and taken care of and have a good home. I don't even know where that statement came from. How does that have to do with cows?Let's get back to the story.
I hope that the statute of limitations has ran out.This should have been taken care of 2 years ago or whenever it happened? Why, if someone goes to the trouble and calls PETA, does he wait for so long? Sounds like the officer that called PETA should be punished for waiting so long to report animal abuse. It just sounds to me like he has a grudge. Maybe it was brought to the attention of the officers boss and was handled at that time. Or maybe not. But if you have nothing better to do than bring up things from 2 years ago then that person must be very unhappy and want the rest of the world to be right there with him.How many hamburgers has he eaten lately? Maybe I should call PETA on him. What do you all think? "
2fedup wrote on Feb 21, 2008 8:19 AM:
2fedup wrote on Feb 21, 2008 8:40 AM:
justalocal wrote on Feb 21, 2008 9:08 AM:
NAKED TRUTH wrote on Feb 21, 2008 9:15 AM:
dragonfly wrote on Feb 21, 2008 9:28 AM:
justalocal wrote on Feb 21, 2008 9:57 AM:
bitzi wrote on Feb 21, 2008 9:59 AM:
justalocal wrote on Feb 21, 2008 10:11 AM:
2fedup wrote on Feb 21, 2008 10:20 AM:
justalocal wrote on Feb 21, 2008 10:28 AM:
I do think the gun story might of been covered somewhere else. "
dragonfly wrote on Feb 21, 2008 10:31 AM:
justalocal wrote on Feb 21, 2008 10:36 AM:
NAKED TRUTH wrote on Feb 21, 2008 10:43 AM:
ozarks wrote on Feb 21, 2008 10:45 AM:
NAKED TRUTH wrote on Feb 21, 2008 10:49 AM:
justalocal wrote on Feb 21, 2008 10:52 AM:
If police can't hang onto their guns and not miss them ... that scares me to death. "
justalocal wrote on Feb 21, 2008 10:53 AM:
No I did not discuss the gun issue with the Mayor, I did however send him the link to this blog. "
bitzi wrote on Feb 21, 2008 10:57 AM:
" To me the gun story is really a non story unless someone is in Fergurson or Lee's camp. I am sure cops leave stuff places all of the time. That would be something handled by the officers department and not the newspaper. What if a fireman or woman left a fire ax. Would that be news? Nope. "
Are you kidding? Stuff!!! Stuff!!! A gun is not stuff!!! Don't you have to apply to get a gun and be approved to carry it? How many guns have killed children when left improperly stored? How many firemen axes have killed children when not stored properly? Your point is ridiculous.
I certainly am not associated with Ferguson, Lee, or Cradduck or anyone in the Republican party for that matter.
I have a child that is old enough to go into a public restroom alone. I am an active voter in Benton County. I do believe a Sheriff candidate leaving a firearm in a public restroom is a serious issue.
Oh and yes I do believe that testing defensive weapons on animals is apalling and does warrant investigation, especially if it is videotaped and distributed as a form of entertainment. Regardless of the statutes of limitation on criminal charges, I believe at the very least disciplinary action would be warranted if proven true.
Don't tase my cow.
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id202 wrote on Feb 21, 2008 11:07 AM:
justalocal wrote on Feb 21, 2008 11:13 AM:
a deer still walking around with a arrow in them crippled? Give me a break your comments show me that you are out for blood!!! "
dragonfly wrote on Feb 21, 2008 11:16 AM:
longhornfan wrote on Feb 21, 2008 11:17 AM:
dragonfly wrote on Feb 21, 2008 11:29 AM:
dragonfly wrote on Feb 21, 2008 11:41 AM:
Martinez-- is the ?????? fired cop and Cradduck's Campaign Manager
Ferguson-- is the Illegal Alien detainer with no just cause.
Cradduck-- Is the leave the gun in the bathroom guy
Lee- Well you all know how I feel about that subject.
PETA-- People Exhausting Tax-dollars Away
The Cow--Let's name her "Rosie" it will be more personal that way.
Now someone correct me if I have anything wrong. I am just trying to make sure I have all this information straight.
"
dragonfly wrote on Feb 21, 2008 11:59 AM:
justalocal wrote on Feb 21, 2008 12:01 PM:
Oh did anyone notice we shot the satalite down last night? Now that is what news should be about...
The cow has done been eaten!!!! "
dragonfly wrote on Feb 21, 2008 12:02 PM:
ozarks wrote on Feb 21, 2008 1:02 PM:
dragonfly wrote on Feb 21, 2008 1:16 PM:
dragonfly wrote on Feb 21, 2008 1:19 PM:
flamingo79 wrote on Feb 21, 2008 1:26 PM:
2fedup wrote on Feb 21, 2008 1:52 PM:
ozarks wrote on Feb 21, 2008 2:20 PM:
ozarks wrote on Feb 21, 2008 2:23 PM:
justalocal wrote on Feb 21, 2008 2:27 PM:
guess it needs to be someone who knows the difference between a cow, a bull, and a steer.. that leaves this city gal out!! "
dragonfly wrote on Feb 21, 2008 2:38 PM:
dragonfly wrote on Feb 21, 2008 2:41 PM:
dragonfly wrote on Feb 21, 2008 2:46 PM:
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justalocal wrote on Feb 21, 2008 3:24 PM:
ozarks wrote on Feb 21, 2008 4:17 PM:
dragonfly wrote on Feb 21, 2008 4:27 PM:
dragonfly wrote on Feb 21, 2008 4:39 PM:
dragonfly wrote on Feb 21, 2008 4:52 PM:
ozarks wrote on Feb 21, 2008 4:58 PM:
peacekeeper wrote on Feb 21, 2008 6:22 PM:
ozarks wrote on Feb 21, 2008 8:17 PM:
justalocal wrote on Feb 21, 2008 9:08 PM:
rogersboy wrote on Feb 21, 2008 9:51 PM:
justalocal wrote on Feb 21, 2008 10:03 PM:
NAKED TRUTH wrote on Feb 21, 2008 10:08 PM:
justalocal wrote on Feb 21, 2008 10:13 PM:
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NAKED TRUTH wrote on Feb 21, 2008 10:30 PM:
justalocal-- is this who you contacted at the morning news when you spoke to them? Has the Daily Record been notified of this? I for one will definately contact both. "
justalocal wrote on Feb 21, 2008 10:33 PM:
NAKED TRUTH wrote on Feb 21, 2008 10:44 PM:
wow wrote on Feb 22, 2008 6:10 AM:
dragonfly wrote on Feb 22, 2008 7:53 AM:
Rogersboy-- No he should not have tazed the cow.But why now, 2 years or more after the incident?this is stupid.It is truly politics.98% of the cops in every department are professional, but let's not forget THEY ARE HUMAN.They are no better than anyone else. If I had made the video would it be escalated to this.I THINK NOT.If you seen one out having a beer and dancing would that be inappropriate?These guys are people that want to do things we take for granted everyday. If we go to bar and have a beer and drive home it is okay.However if someone see a cop drink a beer and drive home he has then committed a Cardinal SIN. It is his time, his personal time. Not saying he should have tazed the cow. Just trying to prove to you that they are not gods and are humans. Worry about the guy who got 6 years probation for talking to whom he thought was a 13 year old girl (and was talking to a daputy) or the guy who actually fondled an 11 year old girl and got 6 years Probation and 120 days time served and is out walking on the streets again. I wish things like that were our top concerns. Not a COW and how someone should be punished.
"
longhornfan wrote on Feb 22, 2008 8:37 AM:
justalocal wrote on Feb 22, 2008 8:44 AM:
dragonfly wrote on Feb 22, 2008 9:08 AM:
Just joshing. Well longhornfan-- your comparison to him being a serial killer is way EXTREME. Should we look to him for any unsolved murders around here. You must know him as you stated.Enlighten us so we can know the truth. I for one would like to know how bad of a person he is. I want him off the beat if he is a bad cop. But please like so many have asked of me. Be truthful and know these things 1st hand not from my wife's friend's cousin's mother. I am really trying to make a decison on who I want as a sheriff and it is really hard to do since everytime I decide I like a candidate then I find out something bad. "
dragonfly wrote on Feb 22, 2008 9:19 AM:
ozarks wrote on Feb 22, 2008 11:55 AM:
NAKED TRUTH wrote on Feb 22, 2008 12:18 PM:
ozarks wrote on Feb 22, 2008 12:45 PM:
dragonfly wrote on Feb 22, 2008 1:01 PM:
ozarks wrote on Feb 22, 2008 1:46 PM:
dragonfly wrote on Feb 22, 2008 3:02 PM:
dragonfly.1962@yahoo.com "
NAKED TRUTH wrote on Feb 22, 2008 6:12 PM:
nkdtruth1@yahoo.com "
Rogersboy wrote on Feb 22, 2008 7:55 PM:
Mrs. Kitty Meow Meow wrote on Feb 22, 2008 8:17 PM:
hbungus wrote on Feb 22, 2008 8:55 PM:
dragonfly wrote on Feb 24, 2008 8:17 AM:
OMG wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:19 PM:
OMG wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:27 PM:
OMG wrote on Feb 26, 2008 6:23 AM:
OMG wrote on Feb 26, 2008 6:26 AM:
achicana wrote on Feb 26, 2008 8:36 AM:
Mrs. Kitty Meow Meow wrote on Feb 26, 2008 12:39 PM:


maljoir wrote on Feb 19, 2008 7:56 PM: