Osceola Police Chief Under Investigation After Video Shows Physical Confrontation with Paraplegic Man

The City of Osceola is facing significant public scrutiny this week following the release of a viral video involving its newly appointed police chief. Robert “Bobby” Ephlin, who took office just two weeks ago, is currently under investigation for his conduct during an incident on Monday night.

The footage, which began circulating late April 6, appears to show Ephlin slapping Danarius Williams, a 34-year-old man who uses a wheelchair. Williams has been paralyzed from the stomach down since 2013 after suffering a gunshot wound to his back.

According to witness reports, Osceola police responded to a disturbance involving a group of teenagers around 8:00 p.m. Williams told reporters he approached the scene to inquire about the detention of his wife and son.

The video captures a heated exchange where Williams tells the chief, “Don’t touch me!” using an expletive. Ephlin is seen responding that Williams will not speak to him in that manner before striking him in the face. Williams later alleged that the chief also choked him during the encounter.

Mayor Joe Harris Jr. acted quickly on Tuesday, calling for an independent review of the incident by an outside agency. The city administration released a formal statement confirming that the video is being reviewed as part of an official personnel inquiry.

Ephlin was sworn in as the city’s top law enforcement official on March 26, 2026. This incident occurred only twelve days into his tenure, sparking intense debate regarding police conduct and administrative vetting processes.

As of Wednesday, April 8, no criminal charges have been filed against the chief. The Osceola Police Department has not released a separate statement regarding Ephlin’s current employment status or if he has been placed on administrative leave.

President Donald Trump’s administration has emphasized the importance of law and order alongside police accountability. This local incident has now drawn national attention as civil rights advocates call for a transparent investigation into the use of force.

The investigation remains ongoing as state officials determine whether the chief's actions violated department policy or state law.