Accomack County, Virginia, residents are grappling with the aftermath of a violent arrest that left one man injured and sparked questions about law enforcement practices. Robert Buckner claims he sustained serious injuries during the arrest of his wife at their home late on March 29. He asserts that two sheriff’s deputies punched him multiple times, leading to stitches, a concussion, and a broken nose.
According to the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office, the deputies acted within policy during the incident. Body camera footage, obtained through a public records request, and Buckner’s home security video detail the chaotic moments leading up to the confrontation. Deputies arrived around 10:20 p.m. to apprehend Buckner’s wife on charges that have since been dropped, a move that Buckner believes was excessive given the family’s lack of a criminal record.
Buckner, a disabled veteran with a hearing impairment, maintains he was merely inquiring about the situation when the officers escalated their response. “I was just trying to ask why,” he said, adding that any concerned husband would want to know the details surrounding his wife’s arrest. Witnesses describe a situation that rapidly deteriorated, with Buckner asserting that he did not approach the officers aggressively.
The video evidence illustrates the level of force used, including Buckner being forcibly taken to the ground and struck. Additional footage shows deputies also detaining Buckner’s wife, who was accused of obstruction of justice—a charge she would later contest and win in court.
Audio from the deputies captured their interactions, with one officer describing Buckner as “swaying” and unsteady. The deputy’s comments imply a perception of Buckner as a threat, which arguably contributed to the rapid escalation of force. “Their first move was fist to the face,” Buckner lamented, noting the severity of the situation.
After the incident, Buckner was not immediately provided medical attention, an oversight he finds troubling. Despite pleading for help while bleeding from his wounds, he spent over half an hour waiting for an ambulance. He ultimately received care at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries.
In the wake of the incident, Buckner has raised questions about the late-night timing of the warrant service and the justification for the aggressive response. He argued that the police’s choice to execute a search warrant late at night was unnecessary and inappropriate.
The sheriff’s office has stated its findings, noting that their internal review concluded the deputies had not violated policies during the incident. While one deputy involved is no longer with the department, authorities have clarified that this change is unrelated to Buckner’s case.
In legal proceedings, Buckner faced various charges, including obstruction of justice. He was found not guilty of assaulting law enforcement but guilty on obstruction-related charges. His wife was cleared of the initial charges but also faced obstruction allegations, from which she was exonerated.
Buckner expressed frustration about the impact these events have had on his reputation in the community, stating that being linked to allegations of violence against police is damaging and unfair. His experiences have left him with lingering headaches, scars, and psychological trauma.
As Buckner and his family seek to move forward, they are preparing to pursue legal action against the sheriff’s office, hoping to hold law enforcement accountable for their conduct. “I wouldn’t have approached the situation the same way,” Buckner reflected, acknowledging the lessons learned from that fateful night.