A police officer who is hugely popular on social media is now facing domestic violence charges.
Tommy Norman, a longtime North Little Rock police officer who gained national recognition for his community outreach and social media presence, was arrested on Saturday (Sept. 13) on a charge of domestic battery in the third degree, according to reports from TMZ and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
The department confirmed to the outlets on Sunday that Norman, a 27-year veteran of the force, was booked after officers responded to a late-night call.
Both outlets report that Norman’s wife told police he struck her on the chest with the back of his hand during an argument. The responding officer observed what appeared to be a slight injury. Norman reportedly claimed he was only blocking her hand after she slapped at him.
Jail records show that the 53-year-old is being held without bond at the Pulaski County Jail.
“In accordance with departmental policy, Officer Norman has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the judicial process and an internal investigation,” read a statement from the North Little Rock Department, per NBC affiliate KARK.
A court date has been set for Nov. 6.
Norman is widely known beyond Arkansas for his grassroots efforts to connect with residents, often documenting his outreach on Instagram, where he has more than one million followers. In 2018, Newsweek called Norman “America’s favorite cop."
His work earned him national praise, including the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from Joe Biden in 2021.
Norman’s daughter Alyssa died from a drug overdose in November 2021 at age 26.