A praised Arkansas police officer with over 5 million social media followers has been charged with domestic battery following allegations from his wife that he hit her during a late-night dispute, according to reports.

Officer Tommy Norman — with 27 years of service in the North Little Rock Police Department, gained fame for his community outreach and work with youths — was arrested Saturday after a physical confrontation with his wife Rosalynd Norman at their Pulaski County home, reported the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

The newspaper obtained Norman’s arrest report, where it is noted that he allegedly struck Rosalynd Norman on her right chest with the back of his hand amid a verbal altercation just before midnight, according to police records.

Officers responded to the scene and observed a minor chest injury on Rosalynd Norman, allegedly visible to them. Tommy Norman was questioned and stated that his wife slapped him during the argument, and he tried to prevent the alleged attack, resulting in the injury, as per the authorities.

Claiming self-defense, Norman was nonetheless booked on domestic battery charges and taken to Pulaski County Jail. The Democrat-Gazette states that he is currently on administrative leave while the judicial process and an internal investigation are underway.

North Little Rock PD did not respond to Law&Crime’s requests for comment Monday.

On social media, an alleged “admin” for Norman’s various accounts — which include Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook — released a statement Sunday saying Norman’s family needed “space” and that the details on “what occurred” were not completely known to them, per the posts.

“What I do know is that Tommy will not be able to speak until all the facts are reviewed both internally and externally, and until investigations are concluded,” the admin said, noting how she was a “woman” who runs his accounts from her home in Texas.

“I understand emotions are running high,” the admin said. “It’s frustrating not to have all the answers right away, especially with the topics at hand. But the process does not allow transparency until it is complete. I ask that everyone wait for the facts before making judgments. In the meantime, please keep ALL of Tommy’s family in your prayers.”

Over the years, Norman has received various awards for his community outreach and police work, including a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from the Biden administration in November 2021 and the inaugural Citizen of the Year award by the U.S. Veterans Hall of Fame in April 2025.

“Even more of an honor is that moving forward, The Officer Tommy Norman Citizen of the Year Award will be awarded annually to a citizen of upstanding character, that is making an impact in the lives of Americans and who also serves all selflessly!” Norman’s Instagram account touted in an April 9 post.

Norman’s arrest report lists his next court date as Nov. 6.