Two Kentucky deputies in Hardin County were caught on film after getting in a scuffle, resulting in the deputy jailer getting arrested and suspended with pay.
The incident unfolded on February 8 after Deputy Jailer Joe Funk was involved in a dispute with Deputy Clennon Smith, who was turning over detainee property.
Prior to the scuffle, Funk reportedly threw the property back and confronted Smith, who then pushed Funk. The situation devolved into a physical fight, which was broken up by deputy jailers. Smith attempted to arrest Funk, who refused to comply. In response to physical resistance, Smith punched Funk until he was able to get him in cuffs.
Hardin County Jailer Danny Allen and Sheriff John Ward (many counties in Kentucky treat the jail and Sheriff’s Department as separate entities) held a press conference on Wednesday to address the issue.
“It is very unfortunate that this incident occurred,” the press release read. “Sometimes bad decisions and anger causes people to make the wrong choice.”
Funk suffered a bloody nose, swollen lip, bruised hand and sore neck. He claims he was reluctant to follow Smith’s commands because he did not understand why he was being detained.
Allen said that Funk was taken into custody but not held in the jail cells due to his status as an employee making him a possible target for inmates. According to WAVE 3, he has since been released and is facing charges of menacing, assault and resisting arrest.
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