A North Little Rock police officer who was honored by President Joe Biden has been arrested and charged with battery after an altercation with his wife, authorities said.
Tommy Norman, 53, was taken into custody Saturday night and charged with one count of battery in the third degree after police responded to a call shortly before midnight about an assault, according to an arrest report. Officers found Norman's wife, Rosalynd Nicole Norman, "appearing visibly upset," and she told officers that during an argument her husband struck her on the right side of her chest with the back of his hand. Officers noted a slight injury on her chest in the report. Norman told responding officers that his wife was slapping at him and that he tried to block her when the injury occurred; officers said they observed no injuries on Norman.
Norman, a 27-year veteran of the department known for community outreach, has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the judicial process and an internal investigation. He was released on a $350 bond on Monday. After his release, he posted a message on X that was later deleted, writing in part, "Where I am doesn't define who I am..."
Hours after the arrest, Rosalynd Norman issued a statement to THV 11 asking for privacy and prayers. "Like many families, we have experienced both loving memories and difficult times, but that does not diminish the love we share," she said, adding that the family was "leaning on God for strength and guidance" and requesting that the matter be handled "privately with dignity and respect." A Texas-based manager who handles Norman's social media accounts also asked the public to give Norman's children space and to wait for facts before making judgments.
Norman has drawn national attention for his efforts to connect with residents in North Little Rock, particularly children. He posts widely followed videos and photographs on social media and started the department's Shop with a Cop program. He has more than 1.8 million followers on Instagram.
In 2021, Norman was among 16 people awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award under President Biden. In April, he received the inaugural Citizen of the Year Award from the U.S. Veterans Hall of Fame, an honor he has publicly promoted on social media.
Norman is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 6. The North Little Rock Police Department declined immediate additional comment, and the case remains subject to ongoing legal and internal review.