A Helena-West Helena police officer was fired earlier this week for a May 26 incident where he pointed a gun at a man without being in imminent danger, officials said.
Mayor Kevin Smith submitted a letter of termination for Officer Terry Daugherty on Monday. It said he violated departmental policy.
On May 26, Daugherty approached 21-year-old Edrick Truitt's vehicle because he wouldn’t leave the parking lot of a Double Quick gas station, which was closed for business.
The release states that Daugherty asked Truitt for his license, registration and proof of insurance multiple times before he pulled his gun out and pointed it at him. It was after Daugherty pulled his gun that he noticed an assault rifle in the front passenger seat of Truitt’s vehicle.
Officials said Daugherty violated departmental policy by removing his weapon from the holster and pointing it at Truitt before he saw a weapon. Based on the facts presented, there were no imminent dangerous behaviors displayed by Truitt, the release states.
Truitt was transported to the Helena-West Helena Police Department where he was released without bond.
Daughtery was placed on administrative leave with pay on May 28. Arkansas State Police told Todd Murray, the prosecuting attorney of the 1st Judicial District, that Daugherty didn’t commit any criminal actions. There are no formal charges filed against Truitt.
Helena-West Helena Chief of Police James Smith recommended Daughtery be dismissed from the department.