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UPDATE: LRPD officer pleads not guilty after reportedly punching wife

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LRPD Officer John Bracey, arrested on assault charges

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Updated: 12/13/2011 3:41 pm

Published: 12/12/2011 4:01 pm

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Little Rock Police Officer accused of punching his wife in a domestic dispute Friday has plead not guilty. His next court date has been set for February 14, 2012.

According to the police report, the victim reports her husband, John Bracey, held her down against their couch by her neck and punched her in the face. The police report lists John Bracey as being 6’5” and 335 pounds. Police say that Bracey has been with the department for 16 years.

Police say Officer Bracey turned himself in with his attorney on Monday. He has been charged with aggravated assault on a household member. His attorney arranged for Bracey to be released after he is processed through the jail.

According to witness statements in the police report, Bracey and his wife were arguing over taking their 14-year-old son on a hunting trip. The report says that the alleged assault took place in front of their son and 8-year-old daughter.

Bracey has been placed on paid administrative leave.

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Citizen - 1/26/2012 2:36 PM

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I know this family very well and they were discussing divorce for some time now. The only problem they were stuck on is who gets custody. I guess now we know. This man has never hit his wife in their entire marriage. Why is it so easy for people to believe the worst? Just because he is an officer does not mean he is corrupt.

cat14675 - 12/13/2011 9:15 PM

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Ooops! That was supposed to say "criticize the poster for calling someone UNKNOWn to them..."...sorry for the mistake.

cat14675 - 12/13/2011 9:13 PM

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First off, let me say that I was not meaning to try to defend the actions of the officer involved...I basically was meaning to criticize the poster for calling someone known to them a LOSER. I totally agree, not where in life is it ever okay for a man to hit a woman...in private, in public, in front of family/children/friends...no one. I am sorry that it came out that I was angry at the stance taken by anyone...I just don't like people who sit in judgement of anyone until all the facts are shown. Okay? OKAY! 'Nuff said!

fanceyface83 - 12/13/2011 9:09 PM

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Sad but true many times police officers abuse their wives or girlfriends. Needless to say, some of these victims are afraid to report it. Why? Often law enforcement protect their own, State law makers need to put more laws in place as it relates to law enforcement abusing people period!!! this includes abuse of power...Police officers should be held to a higher standard how can you enforce for laws to be upheld when the enforcer is breaking the law himself..they should be required to undergo a yearly psychological evaluation and background check..you would be surprise man women who are either married or dated a police officer encountered some type of abuse but afraid to come forth.

bluedoberman - 12/13/2011 3:57 PM

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Or maybe she is a very spiteful woman who knows her claims will cost him has job & career. Seen it before.

Fardy McPooter - 12/13/2011 2:51 PM

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upon conviction of any classification of Domestic Assault/Battery no person can ever hold certification as a Law Enforcement Officer in the State of Arkansas. Cannot imagine what would cause a 16 year veteran to do this, Stress can ruin even the strongest.

SaSsYbUcKGiRl - 12/13/2011 1:07 PM

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"EMPOWER" Thank you!! There is NO excuse to do that in front of kids!!! NO EXCUSE! Growing up I was in an abusive home and had to see this happen to my Mother...It has stuck with me and I am 36 years old and still not over it...My husband is also a police officer and he takes he job very seriously and lives his life each and every day as an outstanding citizen! He knows he has people that look up to him.

Empower - 12/13/2011 11:49 AM

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CAT14675, it doesn't matter what caused the fight, what type of person he is, or if something unusual happened, PUNCHING a woman in the face is unacceptable. Especially in front of children. Stop shifting the blame and focus on his behavior.

SaSsYbUcKGiRl - 12/13/2011 9:19 AM

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"cat14765" I was going by what the media said...Do I know this person NO and really don't care to know someone that is going to put his hands on a person...if he didn't do it then why is he being taken into custody??? Obviously the police have SOMETHING to go on!! I mean REALLY why get so angry about someones post...dang sounds like to me you have anger issues! LOL...Have a great day!

XWildOne - 12/13/2011 1:40 AM

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Well one thing is for sure, unless they plea bargain it down to a misdemeanor, he won't ever be a cop again.

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