FLIPPIN — The city of Flippin has hired a new police chief after having to recently pay $20,000 to settle a lawsuit against the now former police chief.
Mayor Jerald Marberry tells The Baxter Bulletin that Dustin Carter, who had been the assistant chief, took over Dusty Smith's role as police chief several weeks ago. Smith is still employed by the city as an officer and will serve as the department's spokesman.
An attorney representing the city says Smith stepping down as police chief was one of the terms in the recent settlement reached between the city and a man named Jerry Allen.
Allen claimed authorities falsely arrested him and conducted an unlawful search of his home. Smith and other law enforcement officers have denied any wrongdoing in the case.