Bristol, Virginia, September 10, 2025
News Summary
The Bristol, Virginia Police Department has released body camera footage to address allegations of misconduct following an incident involving a couple at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Stephanie and Josh Williams accused officers of improper behavior during their encounter on September 6. The footage aims to promote transparency and showcases the officers’ attempt to de-escalate the situation before ultimately escorting Williams out of the casino. Despite the couple’s initial claims, they later decided not to pursue legal action against the department.
Bristol, Virginia – The Bristol, Virginia Police Department (BVPD) has publicly released body camera footage from an incident involving a couple at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on September 6, 2025, in response to allegations of police misconduct. The footage aims to provide transparency following claims made by Stephanie and Josh Williams concerning their treatment by law enforcement during the incident.
Officers were called to the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino to address a reported trespasser. According to police protocol, officers are often deployed at the casino for additional security during the busy weekend hours. In the footage, officers approach the Williams couple while they are in the Plum Lounge, an area exclusive to members with black or gold cards.
The situation escalates when the couple expresses frustration and attempts to exit the lounge. As Stephanie Williams begins to walk away after a brief conversation with front desk staff, Officer Lily Kay Tomlinson reaches out and grabs her arm to escort her out of the situation. Chief Byron Ashbrook later noted that Williams’s action of pulling away indicated her intention to depart.
Subsequent to the incident, Williams reported feeling pain in her arm and visited a hospital, where x-rays confirmed no acute fractures or dislocations. The couple later posted videos on social media alleging misconduct by the police during their encounter. To counterbalance these claims, Chief Ashbrook decided to release the body camera footage to promote transparency within the community.
The body camera footage, confirmed as unaltered by Axon, the manufacturer of the equipment, depicts Tomlinson attempting to calm the situation before eventually deciding to remove Williams from the casino premises. In the wake of the public scrutiny, Chief Ashbrook affirmed his support for the officers involved, emphasizing their efforts to maintain professionalism while managing a rapidly intensifying encounter.
Chief Ashbrook did engage with the Williams family before releasing the footage and communicated that they supported this decision. Despite expressing initial sentiments on social media about pursuing legal action, the couple later stated they do not plan to sue the police department. Stephanie Williams also recognized her feelings of humiliation regarding the incident but indicated she understood that her approach could have been improved.
This incident highlights ongoing discussions surrounding police accountability and community relations, particularly in high-traffic locations such as casinos where officers are stationed to ensure safety. The BVPD continues to advocate for a transparent relationship with the community it serves, encouraging open dialogues regarding encounters between citizens and law enforcement.
As this situation develops, the police department remains committed to working closely with the community to prevent misunderstandings in the future and to ensure all interactions are managed properly and professionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the police to respond at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino?
Casino staff contacted the BVPD regarding an alleged trespasser, leading to the police’s intervention.
What was the nature of the incident between the Williams couple and police?
The incident escalated when police attempted to escort Stephanie Williams out of an exclusive lounge, leading to claims of misconduct by the couple.
Was there any injury reported following the incident?
Stephanie Williams claimed there was pain in her arm post-incident, but medical evaluations showed no acute fractures or dislocations.
Will the Williams couple take legal action against the police department?
Despite initial intentions to explore legal options, the couple later confirmed they do not plan to sue the BVPD.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | September 6, 2025 |
| Location | Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Bristol, Virginia |
| Involved Individuals | Stephanie and Josh Williams |
| Police Involvement | Bristol, Virginia Police Department |
| Outcome | No acute injuries found; couple does not plan to pursue legal action |
| Action Taken | Body camera footage released to ensure transparency |
| Public Reaction | Allegations of police misconduct from the Williams couple on social media |
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Additional Resources
- WCYB – Bristol Casino Incident
- Wikipedia: Police Accountability
- WJHL – BVPD Responds to Allegations
- Google Search: Body Camera Released Bristol
- WFSB – Bristol Shooting Video
- Google Scholar: Police Body Cam Footage
- WSET – Tennessee Family’s Claims
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Conduct
- FOX61 – Bristol Police Shooting Footage
- Google News: Bristol Body Cam Footage
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.
