Outrage after US officer breaks car window, pulls man out by dreadlocks in viral footage

Newly released police footage has shown an Arkansas State Police trooper breaking a vehicle’s rear window, pulling a passenger out by his dreadlocks and striking him twice in the face following a high-speed pursuit in Blytheville.

The encounter began around 11:21 p.m. when Trooper Theodore Henderson reported clocking a 2023 Infiniti QX50 travelling at 82 mph in a 60-mph zone on Arkansas 18.

According to local media outlet NEA Report, the SUV accelerated to between 130 and 140 mph as law enforcement pursued it.

After Blytheville officers deployed spike strips, Henderson performed a tactical vehicle intervention (TVI) near North 16th and West Walnut streets, forcing the vehicle off the road.

The driver, 25-year-old Adonerus Johnson, attempted to move to the back seat before exiting the vehicle. Gosnell Police Corporal Cade Liles pointed a firearm at Johnson and deployed a Taser multiple times before taking him into custody.

NEW: Arkansas chase hits 130 mph, then a trooper pulls a passenger out by his dreadlocks

A police chase on August 19 ended in Blytheville, Arkansas, after an SUV reached about 130 mph.

Newly released video shows and Arkansas Trooper shatter the SUV’s rear window, grab backseat… pic.twitter.com/tIWdzdHEX4

— The Facts Dude ?? (@Thefactsdude) August 29, 2026

Johnson was later booked on several charges, including felony fleeing, first-offence DWI after recording a 0.17 blood alcohol level, reckless driving, speeding, running a red light, resisting arrest and unauthorised use of property to facilitate a felony. A front-seat passenger complied with officers and was released without charges.

Attention then turned to back-seat passenger Tedrick Washington Jr., a 23-year-old Blytheville native and former Division-I basketball player.

The footage seen by TNX Africa shows Henderson breaking the rear driver’s-side window with a baton after ordering Washington to exit. Washington can be heard saying he was unable to crawl through the window before briefly raising his hands.

Henderson then grabbed Washington by his left wrist and dreadlocks. In his report, Henderson said Washington pulled away and "postured up" inside the SUV, prompting him to strike Washington in the face with a closed fist.

The footage shows Henderson then pulling Washington through the broken window onto the pavement and striking him a second time during the struggle.

Police reports and images from the scene showed Washington bleeding from his face. Officers accused him of reaching towards his waist and resisting attempts to handcuff him. Paramedics examined those involved at the scene, but none were taken to hospital.

Washington was subsequently arrested and charged with resisting arrest and obstruction of governmental operations. Reports indicate he is preparing to take legal action over the encounter.

An internal review by the Gosnell Police Department found that Corporal Liles’ use of force, including drawing his weapon and deploying his Taser, complied with department policy. However, the review did not assess Henderson’s actions.

Although Henderson submitted a detailed report on the incident, public records do not yet show an administrative finding from the Arkansas State Police regarding his use of force.