LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A charge filed Monday against State Rep. John Walker has been dropped.
The announcement was made just hours after the Little Rock Police Department said it was launching an internal investigation into the arrest of the prominent civil rights attorney.
Walker, 79, had been charged with obstruction of governmental operations after officers at the scene of a traffic stop reported that he interrupted their work as they arrested two men with outstanding warrants.
The LRPD issued a letter of apology stating:
” I have reviewed the documentation and video that relate to your arrest for obstruction of governmental operations on September 26, 2016. I have also conferred with the City’s legal counsel. After doing so, I have concluded that you should not have been arrested.
In light of my conclusion, I am writing to extend an apology on behalf of the Little Rock Police Department, the charge against you will be dismissed as soon as possible. I have also directed the opening of an investigation by the Internal Affairs Division in order to determine whether any policy violations occurred during the course of the situation that led to you arrest. The incident will also be reviewed for training purposes.
Finally, I understand that you posted a $1,000 bond at the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility. I have been authorized to reimburse you and will request that a check be issued shortly and forward it to you at your office address.
I hope that these actions will allow us to move forward in a positive and constructive manner. “