FAYETTEVILLE — A former police officer who was involved in a fight in a bar during which a gun was brandished wants his statement to police thrown out.
Jeffery Harris, 45, contends statements he made to police should be ruled inadmissible because he was arrested without probable cause prior to being interrogated; he wasn't properly advised of his Miranda Rights, and didn't waive his Miranda rights; wasn’t allowed to have a lawyer present during questioning; and statements taken were the result of coercion or intimidation.
Harris has a Feb. 12 trial date. Judge Mark Lindsay has set a pretrial hearing for Jan. 21 in Washington County Circuit Court.
Harris, a former state trooper who joined the Little Rock Police Department in 2011, was charged after he and former Prairie Grove Officer Rex Frederick were involved in an April 12 fight at Billy’s Pool Hall on Razorback Road.
The officers were drinking beer and shots before starting a fight and pulling their guns, witnesses said.
Both men were allowed to leav without being arrested or issued a citation by Fayetteville police.
Harris was later charged with aggravated assault. Frederick and Harris were charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct and harassment.
Both men were fired from their respective departments.