The Picayune Police Department (PPD) has released body camera footage and a detailed timeline following a social media video that sparked public attention. The footage shows an officer attempting to arrest Randall “Randy” Perkins after multiple reported incidents of threats and disturbances at a local business.

The PPD provided the following timeline of events leading to the arrest:

Timeline of Events

• Dec. 15, 2024: Officers were dispatched to a business on Jackson Landing Road after employees reported Perkins making inappropriate and threatening comments. Perkins allegedly told one employee he “had something for her” and shaped his fingers into a gun. He advanced toward another employee, requiring a customer to intervene. Perkins left before the officers arrived.
• On December 19, 2024, Perkins returned to the business and caused another disturbance. He allegedly cursed at employees and said, “I got you.” He again left before the police arrived.
• On December 24, 2024, Employees reported that Perkins had returned. An officer approached Perkins near the front landing of the business and observed him walking away. When confronted, Perkins denied being at the location.

Body Cam Footage and Arrest

The footage shows the responding officer instructing Perkins to place his hands on a vehicle four times. Perkins allegedly resisted, turning away and refusing commands. The officer took Perkins to the ground and repeatedly ordered him to give up his hands and lie on his stomach.

Perkins reportedly tucked his hands and legs beneath himself, attempting to push up. The officer delivered multiple punches and knee strikes to Perkins’ side to gain compliance. Additional officers arrived, and one used a taser in “drive stun” mode, a close-contact technique. Perkins was ultimately restrained and taken into custody.

Charges and Investigation

Perkins was charged with trespassing, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. He also faces pending charges for prior threats and disturbances at the business.

The PPD stated that its response to Perkins’ resistance is under investigation, as is standard procedure for using force. “This case is no different because it gained popularity on social media. We investigate every case where officers respond to resistance,” the department said.

Department’s Perspective

The PPD emphasized that physical force, while difficult to watch, is authorized when other responses fail.

“Physical force by police isn’t always easy to watch, especially if you only have a snippet of what someone shared,” the department said. “If Perkins doesn’t threaten employees on multiple occasions, trespass, and resist arrest, this incident never happens.”

The department also noted Perkins’ history of arrests for similar incidents, including trespassing and resisting arrest.

This is an ongoing story and investigation and will be updated.