North Little Rock police officer Tommy Norman, a 27-year veteran of the department and a nationally recognized figure with more than 5 million social media followers, has been arrested on a charge of third-degree domestic battery.
Authorities say officers responded to Norman’s home shortly before midnight on Saturday. According to the arrest report obtained by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Norman’s wife, Rosalynd, told officers that her husband struck her on the right side of her chest with the back of his hand during an argument. Officers noted a slight injury consistent with her account.
Norman, 53, denied hitting his wife intentionally. He told officers that he had been slapped and that the injury occurred while he was trying to block the strikes. Police reported no visible injuries on Norman.
He was taken into custody at the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility and initially held without bond. On Monday morning, a judge granted bond and set his next court date for November 6.
The North Little Rock Police Department confirmed Norman has been placed on administrative leave while both an internal investigation and the court process play out.
Norman’s wife released a statement through KATV, acknowledging the difficult moment for their family while also emphasizing unity:
“Like many families, we have experienced both loving memories and difficult times, but that does not diminish the love we share. We are leaning on God for strength and guidance, and we kindly ask for grace, prayers, and privacy as we move forward.”
She added that rumors and outside pressures have compounded the challenge but stressed the couple’s ongoing care and respect for one another.
Officer Norman has built a worldwide following through his community policing efforts, often sharing photos and videos of his interactions with residents on Instagram and Facebook. In 2021, he received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joe Biden for his service.
As the case unfolds, Norman’s reputation as one of the most visible and celebrated community officers in the country now faces one of its toughest tests.
