Bellevue councilman charged with
battery
By GREG STAHL
Express Staff Writer
A Bellevue City Councilman was arrested
and jailed last week on a charge of simple battery of a police officer, a
misdemeanor.
Bellevue police arrested Councilman Parke
Mitchell at 11:20 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, after Mitchell allegedly poked Sgt.
Scott Smith in the chest three times. It was the second time officers responded
to a domestic disturbance call at Mitchell’s home that evening, said Bellevue
Marshal Randy Tremble.
Mitchell was arraigned and released from
jail on his own recognizance Thursday, Dec. 18.
According to Tremble, the councilman was
"intoxicated and out of control" but did not appear to intend to harm anyone.
Two family members were at home and had placed calls to the police, Tremble
said.
The marshal acknowledged that arresting a
man who is one of his bosses was awkward.
"He was handled as any other citizen in
that situation," Tremble said. "It’s an uncomfortable position, but we’re still
going to do our job."
Tremble said Mitchell was warned not to
continue poking the police officer in the chest.
"After the third time, he was placed under
arrest," he said.