Cop tasers Cow on Video then Sets it to Music and sends it to friends

ROGERS - The city's police department is investigating one of its own following a complaint of animal cruelty.

In a letter sent Feb. 11, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals accused Rogers Police Department Lt. David Mitchell with using his Taser on a cow and video taping the incident.

"It is our understanding that the alleged incident occurred while Lt. Mitchell was off duty, that the Taser's darts were not removed from the cow's flesh afterward, and that Lt. Mitchell apparently found the incident so amusing that it was recently set to music and distributed as a joke among his friends and colleagues," wrote Stephanie Bell, PETA's senior cruelty caseworker.

Mayor Steve Womack, who has not seen the video, said it was clear the incident happened but not the context in which it happened.

He said the city would take action if "city equipment is being used for someone's personal enjoyment and entertainment."

RPD Chief Steve Helms said he started an internal investigation following a call from PETA that preceded the letter. He would not comment on the specifics of the case.

When the investigation is complete, the department will turn the results over to the prosecutor's office, Helms said. Because animal cruelty is a misdemeanor, any charges would likely be filed by the city attorney's office. He also said that, if convicted of a crime, it is possible Mitchell's employment is terminated.

RPD has been plagued recently with reports of low morale, accusations of racism, and the arrest of one officer for sexual indecency with a child. Helms said he did not know why so many issues were arising in a short period, but he said some were to be expected.

"Any department the size we're getting is going to have problems like this," he said.

Womack said Helms will be responsible for taking any actions deemed necessary following the investigation, including amending the department's policies.

Despite the department's recent problems, Womack said he still had confidence in Helms.>

"I still believe in the chief's ability to do his job," Womack said.

Helms hoped the investigation into the accusations against Mitchell would help maintain the public's perception of the department.

"It shows the public we're dealing with problems that need to be dealt with," he said.

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