A disturbing video has surfaced showing an Arkansas police officer punching an inmate multiple times while he was being transported in a police vehicle. The incident occurred on Thursday, August 8th, and was captured on footage from inside the patrol car. The Jonesboro Police Department promptly released the video and announced that Officer Joseph Harris had been fired.

The video depicts an inmate, identified as Billy Lee Coram, sitting in the back of the police cruiser wearing a blue hospital gown. Coram is seen choking himself with his seatbelt while pleading with officers to take him back to the hospital. He claimed to have ingested fentanyl and expressed concerns that he would die if sent back to jail.

In response to Coram's pleas, one of the officers in the front of the cruiser responded, "Not really, no." This dismissive attitude towards Coram's distress ultimately led to the violent confrontation.

The video shows Officer Harris approaching Coram, who is seen adjusting his seatbelt and winding it around his neck. Harris responds by punching Coram four times in the head. He then uses his elbow to slam into Coram's shoulder twice before delivering additional punches to Coram's face. Harris eventually unwinds the belt from Coram's neck.

At another point in the video, Harris pulls out a baton and aggressively pokes Coram's chest. Coram screams in pain and flips onto his stomach, moaning.

Following the incident, Jonesboro City Attorney Carol Duncan stated that the incident would be reviewed by the Craighead County Second Judicial District Prosecutor for potential charges. The investigation is being conducted independently to avoid any bias.

It is worth noting that Officer Harris has faced disciplinary actions before. He was suspended two years ago for using excessive force. Additionally, he is listed as a defendant in a lawsuit filed in June alleging wrongful death of an inmate who died in the same jail to which Coram was being returned.

The Jonesboro Police Department has taken swift action by firing Officer Harris. Chief Rick Elliott expressed shock and outrage at Harris's behavior, stating, "Based on that conduct, I'm not going to have it and I'm not going [to] put up with it, and immediately terminated him." Elliott has also contacted the FBI's Little Rock office regarding the incident and plans to request that Harris be decertified as a police officer.

As of August 13th, Billy Lee Coram remains in custody at Craighead County Jail. The Craighead County Sheriff's Office and Jail did not provide additional information on the incident in time for publication.

This disturbing incident raises concerns about police conduct and the treatment of individuals in custody. It serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies.