- FAST FACTS:
- Former Councilwoman Accused of Evading Arrest
- Police say She Injured an Officer
- Her Former Colleagues Say She is Innocent
tom.powell@wreg.com
twitter.com/tompowell3
(West Memphis, AR August 12, 2009 8:55 PM) -- Several current West Memphis City Council Members came forward Wednesday to defend a former colleague, former Councilwoman Helen Harris. Harris was arrested last Thursday after police say she cursed out officers, then led them on a high speed chase.
"I do not believe Mrs. Harris would shame her God, her Church, or her people by using profane language," Councilwoman Lorraine Robinson told a crowd gathered inside West Memphis City Hall. Robinson described what happened last week as Harris's "worst nightmare." She said Harris was a victim, not a criminal.
But police say Harris was the one who caused things to get out of control, after she showed up on the scene where officers were arresting her son for public intoxication. Police say she cursed at the officers, and accused them of being racist.
"The officer says ma'am you're under arrest for interfering. You're under arrest," says West Memphis Police Captain Donald Oakes. He says that's when Harris got into her car. He says the officer reached through the window to keep her from leaving. "She actually caused the a-post of the car to catch his shoulder and spin him," Oakes says.
Police say that caused the officer to twist and fall, ripping the sole of his shoe and injuring his back. Captain Oakes says another officer pursued Oakes, and eventually placed her under arrest.
Harris's supporters say police are lying about everything from the cursing to the chase.
"According to our sources she was asked to leave, and that's all she was doing was leaving," says Councilwoman Robinson. "I know this woman's character and it is exceptional."
