SMITHFIELD – Police Chief Pete Hedrick announced late-Friday he has requested the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office review the arrest of a suspect after video of the incident surfaced on social media.
Terrence Derrall Ellis (aka Terrence Derrail Ellis) of Wilson was arrested around 2:35am today (Friday) in the parking lot of the Amazon warehouse at 2095 W. Market Street.
Video reportedly taken by an eyewitness appears to show a policeman punch Ellis in the face while the officer is on top of the suspect.
Ellis was charged with felony fleeing to elude arrest, felony assault causing physical injury on a law enforcement officer, driving on a revoked license from a previous DWI conviction, resisting a public officer, driving while impaired, and possession of a controlled substance on jail premises. He was given a $15,000 bond.
“The Smithfield Police Department is accredited through CALEA and has policies in place that will ensure a complete review of the arrest and use of force. The Smithfield Police Department has requested the District Attorney review the matter. The District Attorney will be provided all evidence connected to this case to include the officers in car camera which captured the entirety of the incident. We ask that citizens allow the legal system to investigate this incident and not rely on partial videos on social media,” Chief Hedrick stated.
Chief Hedrick said Ellis was seen by EMS but refused treatment.
Original Facebook video available here. Caution graphic language
Prior Traffic Stop
eCourt records indicate Terrence Ellis was stopped on August 13, 2024 by Smithfield Police on W. Market Street and issued citations for driving on a revoked license and a window tint violation. Those charges are still pending in Johnston County District Court.
“Ellis was charged with felony fleeing to elude arrest, felony assault causing physical injury on a law enforcement officer, driving on a revoked license from a previous DWI conviction, resisting a public officer, driving while impaired, and possession of a controlled substance on jail premises. ”
Some thugs never learn.