Full Body Camera Footage Released by Picayune PD in Viral Arrest
A video recently shared on social media of a subject in Picayune being taken into police custody has gone viral. Picayune Police Department has chosen to speak out on the incident in order to shed some light on the incident and how it occurred.
According to the press release from Picayune Police Department, officers were dispatched to a business on Jackson Landing Road on December 15th, 2024 to respond to a report of Randall “Randy” Perkins making inappropriate comments to employees. Perkins is reported to have told an employee that he knew which car was hers, and that he “had something for her and was coming back.”
The press release also states that Perkins used his finger to shape a gun and told another employee “I have you,” and included a profane expletive. When Perkins advanced toward an employee, the police were called and Perkins left prior to their arrival.
On December 19th, Perkins returned and caused another disturbance. He cursed at employees, telling them “I got you,” and again left before officers arrived.
Finally, on December 24th, Picayune PD was notified when Perkins returned to the establishment. Upon arrival, an officer noted Perkins was near the front landing of the business and contacted him as he was walking away.
The release from Picayune PD states, “Perkins initially denied being there however the responding officer saw him. The responding officer told Perkins four times to place his hands on the bumper of his vehicle. As the officer grabbed Perkins right hand he turned away from him and the officer took Perkins to the ground in an attempt to place him into custody. Perkins is told repeatedly to give the officer his hands and lay on his belly.
The officer continued to tell Perkins to give him his hands but he tucked them underneath himself and attempted to push up. Perkins also tucked his legs underneath himself in an attempt to get up and the officer had to push Perkins down at the base of the back of his neck. The officer delivered 8-10 short punches to Perkins right side and two knee strikes to the same area without success.
Additional officers arrived and one officer drive stunned the middle of Perkins back which did not appear to be successful. A drive stun is a technique used with the taser where contact is made at close distance rather than deploying a cartridge. Although the taser was in contact with Perkins, it was only deployed for one – five second cycle.“
Additional officers assisted in restraining Perkins. He was transported to the Lenoir Rowell Criminal Justice Center, where he was booked for trespassing, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. Pending charges also exist for the prior incidents of threatening and acting disorderly toward employees of the business.
The press release goes on to say, “The officer’s response to Perkins resistance is being investigated. However, this case is no different because it gained popularity on social media. We investigate literally every case where officers respond to resistance. Perkins has been trespassed from multiple businesses in town and has been arrested multiple times for doing so. This also isn’t the first time he has resisted arrest.
Physical force by police isn’t always easy to watch, especially if you only have a snippet of what someone shared. It is authorized though when other responses have failed, and higher levels of response aren’t warranted. If Perkins doesn’t threaten employees on multiple occasions, trespass and resist arrest this incident never happens.”
The video footage of the arrest can be seen on the Picayune PD Facebook page.
