Hot Springs officer who stopped Skateboarders cleared by board

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (AP) A police officer in ArKansas has been cleared of wrongdoing in the videotaped apprehension of some skateboarders.

The video posted online showed the officer appearing to choke a skateboarder and wrestle two others to the ground.

But the Hot Springs Police Department Internal Affairs Board found Joey Williams' actions were within department guidelines.

Police Chief Bobby Southard tells The Sentinel-Record of Hot Springs it was a "minimal force issue." Williams stopped the skateboarders June 21st on a downtown city sidewalk where the activity is banned.

Six skateboarders, two adults and four juveniles, have court dates pending.

Williams will return to patrol duty Thursday.

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