Former St. Louis police officer arrested in Fayetteville after applying to police department

A suburban St. Louis police officer charged with assault and kidnapping for allegedly beating a man until his jaw broke was arrested Monday in Fayetteville.

The charges stem from a July 4 arrest that Northwoods officer Samuel Davis made without informing dispatchers or writing a report, according to the probable cause statement.

St. Louis County police said Davis handcuffed a man, turned off his body camera, then drove the man to a secluded area before pepper spraying and beating him with a baton.

A witness called 911 after finding the bloodied man. Police said the victim's jaw was broken, among other serious injuries.

St. Louis Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell issued a warrant for Davis' arrest Friday.

The Fayetteville Police Department (FPD) told WRAL News that Samuel Davis applied to FPD prior to the charges being taken out.

When informed of his charges, FPD said they arrested Davis when he showed up at their training center for part of the application process.

St. Louis County police said Davis is being extradited to St. Louis, where he will be held on a $750,000 cash-only bond.

Northwoods Police Chief Dennis Shireff told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that Davis has been suspended as the investigation plays out.

"We understand the seriousness of the allegations," he said in a statement. "Furthermore, we understand the impact such incidents have on public trust. Our commitment to serving and protecting our community remains unwavering."

Bell said incidents like this will not be tolerated under his watch.

"These actions put a black eye on all law enforcement officer who are doing their jobs the right way and who are tired of their profession being dragged through the mud because of the bad actions of a few," Bell said in a statement.

The Ethical Society of Police also issued a statement about the incident:

"This case illustrates the need for bodycam mandates with sanctions for noncompliance. It also highlights the need for more effective checks and balances at the Missouri POST level to track officers who have been fired or resigned under investigation."

Online court records did not list an attorney for Davis as of Monday.