Editor’s Note: This commentary contains quoted language that some may find offensive. The videos (linked) may be disturbing to some viewers.
A few incidents involving Huntington-area law enforcement re-surfaced in the media and on social media last week; they deserve attention. Our system depends on transparency — especially when it involves those sworn to protect and serve. That transparency so needed to ensure the ship is right, can’t be found minus public awareness.
It’s important to be clear — this isn’t an anti-police stance. Law enforcement officers face incredibly difficult work and deserve strong public support. The notion of defunding the police is misguided and counterproductive. But real support also requires accountability; without it, that support loses its integrity.
Cabell County Sheriff’s Office Incident – August 5, 2025
The Cabell County Sheriff’s Office is facing a federal lawsuit after a female bystander recorded what appears to be an instance of excessive force – a deputy smashing a male detainee’s head into a cruiser window — during an arrest earlier this year outside Huntington’s Harmony House, a homeless services center.
According to the lawsuit, video footage shows deputies continuing to use force on a suspect even after he was handcuffed and no longer resisting. The bystander who filmed the encounter has filed suit, alleging civil rights violations and excessive use of force.
The video’s circulation has prompted wider scrutiny of the Sheriff’s Office and renewed debate over how local law enforcement handles arrests — and the rights of citizens to record police activity. Sheriff Doug Adams declined an opportunity to comment, citing the ongoing litigation.
In this country, all citizens are presumed innocent until proven guilty — including those who’ve fallen on hard times. The detainee, reportedly homeless, allegedly defaced a county vehicle. If proven, punishment is justified. But smashing a handcuffed suspect’s head against a cruiser window is not due process — it’s cruel, illegal, and indefensible. The detainee suffered a head gash, apparently visible in his booking photo.
It didn’t end there.
Cabell Chief Deputy Chuck Zerkle allegedly grabbed the bystander who tried to film the encounter, telling her to “get that s–t and get out of here,” threatening obstruction and arrest unless the person moved on. He later asked her, “You want a set of handcuffs?”
Courts, including those here in the 4th circuit, have repeatedly affirmed that citizens have a First Amendment right to record law enforcement performing their duties. The bystander did not interfere. Threatening arrest in that context — whether out of ignorance or disregard for the law — is likely a civil rights violation.
If upheld in court as a civil rights violation, qualified immunity could be suspended. That is as it should be if those involved are found to have willfully violated the bystander’s rights.
You might ask, “Who cares?” You should. Everyone should. Every time a right is suppressed, the door opens a little wider for the next abuse. This all happened while Sheriff Adams was present. Zerkle, now chief deputy, previously served as sheriff. Whether any of the men involved should continue to serve is a fair and necessary question for county officials – one they shouldn’t take lightly.
Huntington Police Department Incident – June 2, 2025
A separate incident involving a Huntington Police officer emerged in greater detail late last week. Body camera footage shows the officer referring to a female detainee suspected of, or being involved in, shoplifting as “retarded.” Specifically, the officer says he wanted to “arrest her retarded ass so bad.” When a colleague discovered a substance during a search, the officer exclaimed, “Ooh, yay… you know what sucks, pal? You’re a f—ing dumbass.”
The detainee replied that she wasn’t “retarded,” only someone who had made bad choices.
It is unclear if the detainee was actually arrested and if any charges were filed as a result.
If she committed a crime, she should face the consequences. But cheering for her downfall and taunting her reveals a deeper problem — one of character and a lack of professionalism. Officers are trained to de-escalate situations, not humiliate those in custody. The video portrays a man on a power trip, not a peace officer in control.
Maybe it was a bad day. Maybe it wasn’t. Either way, the officer’s actions were unacceptable.
Of note, the officer’s partner did not appear to take part in the same unprofessional conduct. In the full video, she can be seen interacting at length with the detainee. However, much of the audio from that exchange has been redacted, limiting a full understanding of what was said.
The Mayor’s Office declined to comment on the matter.
Final Thought
The overwhelming majority of officers do their jobs honorably, mindful of their oath and the rule of law. They deserve gratitude and respect. But those who betray that oath through cruelty, arrogance, or outright defiance of law tarnish the badge and dishonor their peers. Again, accountability isn’t anti-police — it’s the only way to preserve public trust.
The officers involved deserve full and thorough investigations. The public deserves a full and transparent accounting of both incidents and any investigations, along with associated findings and outcomes. Time is of the essence.