The Trooper Ryan Wingo lawsuits have produced two very different outcomes so far. Don Cook’s federal civil rights case against Wingo, over a beanbag round that shattered Cook’s jaw at a 2020 protest, went to trial in Little Rock in October 2025 and ended in a hung jury, with no liability finding, no damages, and no retrial date publicly reported.1Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Civil Trial Over Little Rock Lawyer’s Beanbag The separate suit filed by Charles and Brittany Donner over a 2019 traffic incident was dismissed by a circuit court in February 2024 and refiled before the Arkansas State Claims Commission, where it remained active on the August 2025 docket.2Arkansas State Claims Commission. August 2025 Hearing Docket
What the Cook Lawsuit Alleged
Don Cook, a Little Rock data security attorney, attended a protest at the Arkansas State Capitol on June 1, 2020, following the killing of George Floyd. His federal complaint alleged he was walking away from the Capitol in compliance with police dispersal orders when Wingo fired a lead-filled beanbag projectile that struck him in the face, shattering his jaw and knocking him unconscious. Cook later underwent multiple reconstructive surgeries, including a titanium jaw implant and a full set of replacement teeth.3Arkansas Times. Cook v. Wingo Federal Complaint With Exhibits
More than a year after the protest, on July 23, 2021, state police troopers arrested Cook at his home on a Class C misdemeanor charge of obstructing governmental operations. Cook’s attorney, Mike Laux, alleged the arrest was retaliation for Cook seeking reimbursement of his medical costs through the Arkansas Claims Commission, and the complaint alleged that the underlying affidavit by Lieutenant Jeff Sheeler contained misrepresentations, including a clothing description that did not match what Cook wore that night.4UALR Public Radio. Arkansas State Police Named in Excessive Force Lawsuit Stemming From 2020 Protests The misdemeanor charge was later dropped.5Arkansas Times. Charges Dropped for Man Blasted in the Face With Projectile by State Police Officer, but Questions Remain About the Officer
Cook filed suit in June 2022 in the Eastern District of Arkansas, captioned Cook v. Wingo et al., Case No. 4:22-cv-00548. The complaint named Wingo, Trooper Jeff Sheeler, Lieutenant John Joe, Colonel William Bryant, and five John Doe officers, and it alleged excessive force, First Amendment violations, and retaliation. Lieutenant Joe was accused of improperly authorizing the use of lead-filled beanbag projectiles, and the John Doe officers of failing to intervene. Cook’s team sought Wingo’s termination, reimbursement of medical and therapy costs, and attorney fees.6GovInfo. Cook v. Wingo et al., Case No. 4:22-cv-00548
How the Cook Trial Ended
The case went to a jury in Little Rock beginning October 20, 2025. On October 27, 2025, the trial ended with a hung jury, meaning the jurors could not reach a unanimous verdict. No damages were awarded, and no finding of liability was entered against Wingo or any co-defendant.1Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Civil Trial Over Little Rock Lawyer’s Beanbag As of that date, no retrial date or settlement had been publicly reported.
The Donner Lawsuit and Where It Stands
In May 2019, Wingo rear-ended a vehicle occupied by Charles and Brittany Donner in Garland County. Dashcam footage from Wingo’s cruiser, later published by the watchdog group Audit the Audit, appeared to show Wingo deliberately ramming the back of the Donners’ car. After the collision, Wingo pulled Charles Donner from the driver’s seat and arrested him, reportedly for cursing.5Arkansas Times. Charges Dropped for Man Blasted in the Face With Projectile by State Police Officer, but Questions Remain About the Officer
The Donners filed a civil suit in December 2021 naming Wingo, the Arkansas State Police, and two John Doe defendants in Garland County Circuit Court.7Arkansas Times. State Police Officer Who Shot Black Lives Matter Protester in the Face Has History of Serious Complaints On February 9, 2024, the circuit court dismissed the case, noting that the matter should be filed before the Arkansas Claims Commission, the body that handles claims against state agencies.8UniCourt. Charles Donner Etux v. Ryan Wingo Etal
The Donners refiled. Their claim, numbered 241701 and styled Brittany Donner and Charles Donner v. Arkansas State Police, appeared on the Commission’s August 2025 hearing docket for a status conference, with the Donners listed as representing themselves without an attorney.2Arkansas State Claims Commission. August 2025 Hearing Docket
Wingo’s Other Use-of-Force History
In June 2021, Wingo fatally shot Andrew Kemp Jr. during a traffic stop in Garland County. The Garland County Prosecutor reviewed the shooting and determined that Wingo’s use of deadly force was justified.7Arkansas Times. State Police Officer Who Shot Black Lives Matter Protester in the Face Has History of Serious Complaints
Attorney Mike Laux publicly alleged that Wingo had a broader history of use-of-force incidents during traffic stops and had falsified police reports, and said his clients wanted Wingo fired.9KATV. Arkansas Man Files Lawsuit Against Members of Arkansas State Police The available records do not show that Wingo faced criminal charges for any of these incidents, and no formal discipline has surfaced publicly. Arkansas State Police officials have said they are prohibited by state law from disclosing disciplinary actions unless an employee was suspended or terminated.
Is Wingo Still an Arkansas State Trooper?
As of June 2022, Arkansas State Police officials confirmed to reporters that Wingo was still employed.9KATV. Arkansas Man Files Lawsuit Against Members of Arkansas State Police Minutes from an Arkansas State Police Commission meeting on January 12, 2023, listed “Corporal Ryan Wingo” among state police personnel present, indicating that he remained with the agency at that date and had been promoted from trooper to corporal.10Arkansas Department of Public Safety. Arkansas State Police Commission Meeting Minutes, January 12, 2023 No public records in the available research confirm his employment status past that date.