Ex-North Charleston officer accused of using excessive force during 2023 arrest

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A former North Charleston police officer accused of using excessive force against a handcuffed suspect last year is now facing charges, state authorities announced Tuesday.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) identified the officer as 44-year-old Louis Marion Smoak.

Smoak’s charges stem from a Nov. 25, 2023, incident in a Walmart parking lot in Dorchester County, according to SLED. The suspect’s identity or reason for the arrest were not provided.

Authorities said Smoak punched the arrestee in the chest and forcefully removed him from the patrol vehicle “causing the victim’s head to strike the pavement” while the arrestee was handcuffed. He is also accused of “slamming” the arrestee’s head against the vehicle.

A Dorchester County grand jury indicted Smoak on Dec. 4 on Misconduct in Office charges, according to a copy of the indictment provided by SLED.

SLED conducted its investigation at the request of the North Charleston Police Department.