Body Camera Footage Released After Casino Incident in Bristol, Virginia

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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