Special Prosecutor to Handle Bar Fight Involving Cops

FAYETTEVILLE — A special prosecutor has been named to review evidence from a bar fight involving two off-duty police officers and report his findings and recommendations to Washington County Circuit Judge William Storey.

Storey appointed Marc McCune, Crawford County prosecutor, to review the material related to the April 12 altercation at Billy’s Pool Hall on Razorback Road.

Two police officers were drinking beer and shots of liquor before starting a fight and pulling their guns, the restaurant’s manager said.

Jeffrey Harris, a Little Rock patrol officer, and Rex Frederick, a Prairie Grove detective, were involved in the altercation. Both men were allowed to leave without being arrested or cited by Fayetteville police. Chief Greg Tabor said the establishment is a restaurant, Arkansas concealed carry laws do not prohibit carrying weapons in restaurants and he did not know if they met the criteria for public intoxication.

Security video of the incident showed pushing and the two police officers pulling their guns. Harris pointed his gun at several customers during the fight, and Frederick was holding a gun as the two left the building, the video showed.

Frederick was fired. Harris was placed on administrative leave.

Fayetteville police investigated the incident and forwarded their findings to the Washington County Prosecutor’s Office.

McCune was named to the case after Washington County prosecutors said they couldn't review the case because of their close working relationship with Frederick and requested the judge appoint a neutral third party. They will  deliver the case file to McCune for his review.

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