Investigation finds no excessive use of force in Mt. Pleasant arrest

MT. PLEASANT — Police in Mt. Pleasant have concluded one of its officers complied with the department’s use-of-force policies in the June 29 arrest of a Mt. Pleasant man.

A YouTube video, shot by an onlooker, of David Hudnall, 31, being taken into custody at a Fast break convenience store, prompted the review.

The video, which showed only part of the arrest, is shot in a car’s rearview mirror. The video shows Hudnall being struck in the head and sides multiple times by the officer.

The video was posted on the Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s Facebook page, leading to comments both supporting the police and others condemning the use of force.

Mt. Pleasant Police Chief Lyle Murray ordered an independent review of the arrest.

The arresting officer’s name has not been released nor has the officer’s body camera footage.

A news release from the police department Friday stated all video sources of the arrest were reviewed by an independent investigator, though that agency or person was not named and the report was not released to the public.

“The investigation has determined that the arresting officer complied with department policies in using appropriate force to restrain Mr. Hudnall from engaging in further unlawful acts and to protect himself or others from harm,” the release stated.

Hudnall, who remains in the Henry County Jail, is charged with assault on a peace officer, carrying weapons and interference with official acts causing injury, all aggravated misdemeanors. Another charge of possession of methamphetamine is a Class D felony. He is due in court July 26.

The police chief was out of the office Friday and unavailable for comment.