Editor's Note: Doris Minton-McNeill was found not guilty in this case in 2009. Read about that here.
Allegations of racism and privilege cloud the arrest of a City-County Council member Sunday evening after a scuffle involving police at a house on Indianapolis' west side.
Doris Minton-McNeill, 51, was taken into custody on preliminary charges of battery on a police officer and resisting arrest, both misdemeanors.
According to a police report, officers were called to Minton-McNeill's home in the 200 block of Medford Avenue at about 5:30 p.m. Sunday after a woman called and told them that a sexual predator armed with a knife was at the home.
Police said that when they arrived and tried to get information about the incident, Minton-McNeill called them arrogant and later said all white IMPD officers are racist during a profanity-laced confrontation with two officers.
Minton-McNeill went into her house and got business cards that said she was a council member before she got physical with a female officer, police said.
"She pulls her arms back and thrusts both of her arms into Officer (Emily) Perkins' chest, striking her and pushing her back into the house," said IMPD Sgt. Matt Mount. "Perkins tried to catch herself and maintain her balance, throws her arm back and ends up catching her left hand on the corner of the house, injuring her hand."
When officers tried to arrest Minton-McNeill, she told them, "No, you can't arrest me. I'm on the City-County Council," police said.
Officers said Minton-McNeill admitted drinking two margaritas but did not allow them to perform a Breathalyzer test.
Republicans immediately called on Minton-McNeill to resign her District 15 seat, which was held by Andre Carson before he was elected to Congress in March.
"When you show that little respect for them (officers) when you are ... supposed to be responsible for supporting them, that is really, really troubling," said Tom John, Marion County GOP chairman. "The citizens of Indianapolis demand leaders who are servants of the law, not people who think they are above it."
Michael O'Connor, Marion County Democratic chairman, released a statement on Monday.
"As this situation moves forward and we learn the facts, it is important that the process be allowed to work without any outside interference or partisan distractions," O'Connor said. "Minton-McNeill deserves the same consideration as anyone facing a similar situation."
6News attempted to contact Minton-McNeill by phone and at her home Monday morning, but there was no response, 6News' Derrik Thomas reported.
Perkins was treated at Methodist Occupational Health Clinic. Her hand had swelled, but she was back at work on Monday.
Minton-McNeill is scheduled for an initial court appearance on Thursday.
