Investigation Complete, No Ruling Yet On Trooper

The Arkansas State Police say an internal investigation of an incident in which a trooper arrested a news photographer is complete, though no action has yet been taken based on the probe's conclusions.

Stephens Media photographer Bill Lawson was arrested Dec. 10 by Trooper Thomas Weindruch at the scene of a house fire in Maumelle. Lawson filed a complaint against Weindruch. Lawson was arrested and handcuffed, then released at the scene with a citation for obstructing government operations. Prosecutors quickly dropped the charge.

State police spokesman Bill Sadler says command staff has the investigative file.

Sadler said he didn't know when upper-level staff would review the file and decide on any disciplinary action against Weindruch.

Lawson's complaint accuses Weindruch of inappropriate and hostile behavior. The agency assigned Weindruch to office duties, pending the outcome of the investigation.