Community members in Conway, Arkansas are demanding accountability after a racially motivated fight broke out over the weekend. Two individuals have been arrested following the incident at Maly’s entertainment center on Saturday night. Disturbing video footage of the aftermath shows adults shouting racial slurs outside the building, sparking outrage within the community.
At a Faulkner County NAACP meeting on Monday night, community members expressed their concerns and frustration. One woman, who identified herself as the mother of one of the teenagers targeted in the fight, revealed that her son had been stabbed by one of the adults and required 12 stitches on his face. Emotionally recounting the distressing ordeal, she stated, I never thought I would be in this situation. I get a FaceTime phone call, he’s screaming, ‘Mom I need help.’
Several individuals at the meeting labeled the incident as a hate crime and criticized the Conway police for what they perceived as a lackluster response. A young girl who was present during the altercation spoke to FOX 16 News, sharing that she started recording the incident when punches began to fly.
Although Conway’s mayor and police chief were not present at the meeting, City Spokesperson Bobby Kelly informed FOX 16 News that they were engaged in a private discussion with local pastors about the incident. Kelly condemned the actions captured in the video, emphasizing that such behavior has no place in the community. It’s different for everybody, but for us, that has no place here. That doesn’t belong here, he asserted.
According to Kelly, two individuals have been arrested thus far. Chuck Hartwick faces four counts of aggravated assault and one count of battery, while a woman has been apprehended on charges of public intoxication and disorderly conduct. The police affidavit received by FOX 16 News indicates that at least two other adult males were involved in the altercation. One man is alleged to have instigated the fight, while witnesses claimed another had a knife. Kelly stated that more arrests could occur as the investigation unfolds.
While expressing their frustrations at the NAACP meeting, attendees also distributed registration forms to encourage community members to vote. Some individuals criticized the governor, attorney general, and the mayor of Conway for not addressing the incident adequately or contributing to a polarizing political climate that may have contributed to the altercation.
Community leaders at the meeting urged attendees to voice their concerns during the city council meeting scheduled for Tuesday night, urging officials to prioritize accountability. The investigation remains ongoing, with Conway police and the city committed to unraveling the truth behind the racially motivated fight and ensuring justice is served.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this incident, a strong call for unity, justice, and a rejection of racial hatred reverberates through Conway, Arkansas.
