Police arrested a Portsmouth city councilman Tuesday morning after a witness reported seeing a man dragging a screaming woman into a car.
Officers responded to the call around 7:45 a.m. and interviewed the people involved, as well as an independent witness, the Portsmouth Police Department wrote in a release.
Police at the scene determined there was probable cause to arrest Councilman De’Andre Barnes on suspicion of domestic assault and battery.
Barnes was released after a magistrate denied his warrants, according to police.
Portsmouth Chief Magistrate Mandy Owens said, in general, a magistrate denies a warrant after making a judicial determination that there is no probable cause for a criminal charge. Owens did answer questions about Barnes' specific case.
“The Portsmouth Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all citizens, regardless of their position or status,” the department wrote.
Barnes was elected to the city council in 2020. As of current vote tallies, he narrowly missed re-election this year, according to the Virginia Department of Elections. He was not present at Tuesday night's council meeting.
