79-year-old Alabama resident Novilee Williams was arrested at her house and hauled to the city prison after a council meeting dispute.
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79-Year-Old Woman Arrested After Criticizing Mayor and Altercation at Council Meeting
A day after criticizing the town mayor and arguing with a city staffer during public remarks, she was arrested. Williams was accused of disorderly conduct and harassment. Williams fiercely criticized Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton over Police Chief Wendell Major‘s suspension and return in a Facebook video. Williams and Tarrant accountant Shayla Myricks had a violent altercation in the video. Williams faced misdemeanor charges from Myricks for public fighting and threatening.
Williams slammed Mayor Newton for corruption throughout the meeting, angering Myricks. Myricks frequently turned in her seat to dispute Williams’ claims on the video, resulting in a little fight. Myricks was physically forced to turn around by Williams, according to the police report. A uniformed police officer approached Williams after the meeting, and she showed her ID from a fanny pack. The footage ended when the police took her ID.
79-Year-Old Woman’s Arrest Raises Questions About Treatment in Council Disputes
Williams attends Tarrant council sessions and often clashes with Mayor Newton. Williams was arrested for touching the city accountant, according to Mayor Newton, who wasn’t present during public comment. Williams hired a counsel but declined to discuss the incident. She said she was OK and prayed for Mayor Newton and the city accountant.
After Williams’ arrest, Tarrant Councilwoman Veronica Bandy Freeman cried and swore to fight for her. They overtreated Ms. Williams, Freeman said, highlighting how identification affects therapy.
It raises questions about how to treat elderly people in public and how to resolve council disputes.
