Little Rock, Arkansas – A veteran member of the Little Rock Police Department has been arrested and temporarily removed from duty following an alleged incident that occurred earlier this month in Benton, authorities confirmed.
According to reports, the incident took place on May 14, 2026. While officials have not released full details about what happened, the situation has led to serious criminal charges being filed against the officer involved.
Little Rock police officer Michael Willbanks has been charged with aggravated assault on a family or household member and endangering the welfare of a minor. Law enforcement officials have not yet provided further explanation regarding the circumstances that led to the charges, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Following the incident, Willbanks was relieved of duty by the department as the legal process continues. The decision, officials say, is temporary and will remain in place pending the outcome of the investigation and any court proceedings that may follow.
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Willbanks has been with the Little Rock Police Department since November 2011, serving for more than a decade in the agency. His long tenure makes the case a notable development within the department, which has not released additional comments beyond confirming his current status.
Authorities have not indicated whether any additional personnel actions or internal reviews will take place alongside the criminal case. At this stage, details surrounding the alleged incident remain limited, and officials have not disclosed information about the circumstances involving the minor mentioned in the charges.
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The case is expected to proceed through the legal system as investigators continue gathering information. No court dates or further hearings have been publicly announced at this time.
As the investigation continues, the department has emphasized that the officer is considered relieved from duty rather than terminated, a standard administrative step in cases involving active criminal charges.
Officials are expected to provide updates as more information becomes available, though they have not given a timeline for when additional details may be released.
