Bristol, Virginia, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Bristol, Virginia police have released body camera footage following allegations of assault made by Stephanie Williams against officers at the Hard Rock Casino. The footage shows the confrontation that escalated when officers approached Williams regarding a trespasser situation in an exclusive lounge. Williams claimed injuries were sustained during the incident, but her medical evaluation showed no severe damage. Although initially considering legal action, Williams and her husband have chosen not to pursue a lawsuit, expressing regret for the situation while seeking an apology from the police.
Bristol, Virginia
Bristol, Virginia police have released body camera footage following allegations made by Stephanie Williams, who claimed she was assaulted by officers at the Hard Rock Casino. The incident gained attention after Williams posted a video on TikTok, which quickly went viral.
In a proactive step, the Bristol Virginia Police Department (BVPD) shared body camera footage from the primary officer involved in the confrontation. Chief Byron Ashbrook stated he consulted with Williams and her husband prior to releasing the footage, and they supported its publication. The couple was present at the casino’s Plum Lounge, a venue restricted to black or gold cardholders, which necessitates verified identification for entry.
According to reports, Williams voiced surprise during the encounter that an alleged trespasser had entered the exclusive lounge. Two police officers routinely patrol the Hard Rock Casino on weekends as part of their security measures. Following a request from casino staff, Officer Lilly Kay Tomlinson was dispatched to address the situation concerning the perceived trespasser.
The released footage captures the moment police approached Williams in the lounge, resulting in a confrontation that escalated. At one point, Williams exited the lounge, asking the hostess to inform the police that she had not sneaked into the area. Williams claimed her arm was injured when Officer Tomlinson attempted to escort her out, prompting the couple to seek medical attention at a nearby hospital immediately after leaving the casino.
At the hospital, Williams underwent x-rays and reported that her arm was severely swollen; however, doctors were uncertain about the injury’s extent and hesitated to place her arm in a cast. Subsequent hospital records indicated no evidence of acute fracture or dislocation. A reporter later questioned the apparent lack of visible pain exhibited by Williams during the incident as shown in the footage, to which her husband responded that she was in tears for several hours after the encounter.
Initially contemplating legal action, the couple has since decided against pursuing a lawsuit. They have expressed regret for the situation and have even apologized to the officers involved and their families. Williams described feeling humiliated and embarrassed by the circumstances, recognizing that her reaction might have been better managed. Nevertheless, both she and her husband feel they deserve an apology from the police for the incident.
Amidst these events, Chief Ashbrook affirmed that Officer Tomlinson acted appropriately, emphasizing her efforts to de-escalate the situation. He noted that Tomlinson chose to refrain from arresting Williams for disorderly conduct, despite having sufficient grounds to do so. The Hard Rock Casino has not provided any comment on the situation when contacted for further information.
The body camera footage made public contains explicit language and has been deemed unsuitable for all audiences, which may limit its viewership.
FAQ Section
What prompted the release of the body camera footage?
The Bristol Virginia Police Department released the footage in response to allegations made by Stephanie Williams, who claimed officers assaulted her at the Hard Rock Casino.
Who was involved in the incident?
The incident involved Stephanie Williams, her husband, and Officer Lilly Kay Tomlinson from the Bristol Virginia Police Department.
What is the Plum Lounge?
The Plum Lounge is an exclusive area within the Hard Rock Casino that is accessible only to black or gold cardholders, who must verify their ID for entry.
What injuries did Stephanie Williams sustain?
Williams reported a severe swelling in her arm, requiring medical attention, but hospital records showed no acute fractures or dislocations.
Are Williams and her husband pursuing legal action?
Despite earlier discussions of a potential lawsuit, the couple has decided not to pursue legal action and has apologized to the police involved.
What did the police chief say about the officer’s actions?
Chief Byron Ashbrook maintained that Officer Tomlinson acted properly and took measures to de-escalate the situation without making an arrest.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | Recent weekend |
| Location | Plum Lounge, Hard Rock Casino |
| Officers Involved | Officer Lilly Kay Tomlinson |
| Victim | Stephanie Williams |
| Injury Reported | Severe swelling of the arm |
| Medical Outcome | No evidence of fracture or dislocation |
| Legal Action | No plans to pursue legal action |
| Police Chief’s Comment | Officer handled the situation correctly |
| Body Cam Footage | Released with explicit language |
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Additional Resources
- WJHL: BVPD Posts Body Cam Footage
- Wikipedia: Bristol, Virginia
- WCYB: Body Camera Footage Shows Incident
- Google Search: Bristol Virginia
- Supertalk 929: Bristol Virginia Police Post Bodycam Footage
- Google Scholar: Bristol Virginia
- WJHL: Crash Closes Lanes on I-81 North
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Virginia
- WCYB: Bristol VA Police Arrest Man
- Google News: Bristol Virginia
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
