Trooper Wingo Lawsuit 2026, Hung Jury Leaves Case Unresolved After Lawyer Shot In Face During 2020 George Floyd Protests

The lawsuit against Arkansas State Trooper Ryan Wingo remains unresolved after an October 2025 trial ended in a hung jury, leaving Little Rock attorney Don Cook without compensation for life-altering facial injuries sustained during 2020 George Floyd protests. Filed June 10, 2022 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas, the civil rights case alleges Wingo violated Cook’s constitutional rights by firing a beanbag projectile into his face as he was leaving the Arkansas State Capitol on June 1, 2020.

The hung jury outcome means the case could proceed to a retrial, leaving Cook’s claims for medical expenses, permanent injuries, and civil rights violations in legal limbo more than five years after the incident.

What the Trooper Wingo Lawsuit Involves

Cook’s lawsuit alleges Arkansas State Police violated his Fourth Amendment rights by using excessive force during the June 1, 2020 demonstration following George Floyd’s murder. The complaint names Trooper Ryan Wingo—who fired the beanbag—and ASP Director Col. Bill Bryant, plus several unidentified officers who allegedly failed to intervene.

According to the 40-page federal complaint, Cook was peacefully leaving the Capitol grounds around 10 p.m. when state troopers began deploying tear gas and indiscriminately firing beanbag projectiles at protesters.

Cook turned his head and was struck directly in the face. The 1.5-ounce lead pellet beanbag—typically fired from a shotgun—became embedded in his face, shattering his jaw and knocking out teeth.

The Injuries and Emergency Surgery

Paramedics transported Cook to UAMS where he spent three days hospitalized. Surgeons performed emergency facial reconstructive surgery to remove the embedded beanbag round and repair his shattered jaw.

Cook’s attorney Michael Laux stated during a June 2022 press conference that Cook suffered permanent damage including missing teeth, facial scarring, and ongoing psychological trauma.

“I didn’t expect to spend the next three days in the hospital with a shattered jaw and some permanent injuries,” Cook stated publicly when filing the lawsuit.

What makes the incident more troubling is that no trooper identified Cook as a perpetrator at the scene despite shooting him. According to Laux, troopers “were all milling around while Don’s sitting by himself injured, bleeding profusely, missing teeth.”

Wingo’s Controversial Use-of-Force History

Court documents reveal Trooper Wingo has a documented history of use-of-force complaints and questionable conduct. Wingo is the only Arkansas State Police officer on a list maintained by the Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney’s office tracking law enforcement whose testimony might be questioned in court.

In December 2021, a separate lawsuit was filed against Wingo by Charles and Brittany Donners alleging he rear-ended their vehicle during a May 2019 traffic stop, then arrested Charles for allegedly cursing—protected First Amendment speech according to federal courts.

Additionally, court records show Wingo fatally shot a man during a pursuit in Garland County. Laux referenced Wingo’s use-of-force file during the press conference: “He’s got a police involved shooting after a traffic stop, he chased a guy in the woods, two guys goes in, one guy comes out.”

Similar police misconduct cases like the Warren Sapp’s $20M Lawsuit, What Really Happened & Why He’s Suing demonstrate how civil rights violations can lead to substantial lawsuits against law enforcement.

The Improper Use of Beanbag Rounds

Laux argues the use of beanbag projectiles was unlawful under the circumstances. “You are not supposed to use beanbag projectiles unless there is violence occurring and it is an isolated event,” he explained to KATV.

The lawsuit alleges Wingo violated department protocols by aiming at Cook’s head—beanbag rounds are designed for torso shots only—and firing while Cook was retreating and posed no threat.

Wingo’s incident report claimed he fired “multiple pepper balls” at Cook and that Cook “advanced” toward him. However, Laux states this is false—dashcam footage and witness testimony show Cook was walking away when struck.

October 2025 Trial Ends Without Resolution

After years of litigation and a settlement deemed “unlikely” in October 2023 court filings, the case proceeded to trial in October 2025. The jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a hung jury.

As of February 2026, no retrial date has been announced. The Arkansas State Police continues declining comment, citing its policy of not discussing pending litigation.

Cook’s lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, reimbursement of medical expenses, and a declaration that the troopers violated his constitutional rights. The complaint also demands Wingo be terminated from the Arkansas State Police.

Where the Case Stands Now

The hung jury leaves all claims unresolved. Either side could request a retrial, settlement negotiations could resume, or plaintiffs could potentially accept a directed verdict on some counts.

Trooper Wingo remains employed by Arkansas State Police. State law prohibits acknowledgment of disciplinary action unless an employee is suspended or terminated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Trooper Wingo lawsuit about?

The lawsuit alleges Arkansas State Trooper Ryan Wingo violated attorney Don Cook’s civil rights by shooting him in the face with a beanbag projectile during June 2020 George Floyd protests. Cook claims excessive force, failure to intervene, and Fourth Amendment violations.

When was this lawsuit filed?

Cook filed the federal lawsuit on June 10, 2022—nearly two years after the June 1, 2020 incident at the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock.

Who is involved in this lawsuit?

Plaintiff Don Cook (Little Rock attorney) sued defendants Trooper Ryan Wingo, Arkansas State Police Director Col. Bill Bryant, and several unidentified ASP officers in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas.

What are the main allegations?

Excessive force violating the Fourth Amendment, failure of other troopers to intervene, unlawful use of beanbag projectiles on a retreating protester, aiming at the head instead of torso, and retaliatory arrest over one year later.

What is the current status of this case?

The trial concluded in October 2025 with a hung jury. No verdict was reached. The case remains pending as of February 2026 with no retrial date announced.

What are the next steps in this litigation?

Either party may request a retrial, settlement negotiations could resume, or the court may rule on specific legal motions. Cook’s attorneys continue seeking damages and Wingo’s termination.

How can I stay updated on this case?

Monitor the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas docket (Case No. 4:2022cv00548), follow Arkansas legal news outlets, or check updates from civil rights legal organizations.

Last Updated: February 9, 2026

Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information about the Trooper Wingo lawsuit and is not legal advice. For specific legal guidance, consult a qualified attorney.

Have questions about other police misconduct cases? Check our coverage of civil rights lawsuits and settlements.

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About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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