A South Bend councilman and his father ran into a little difficulty with the police after Monday night's council meeting.
Henry Davis Jr. was pulled over around 10:45pm. South Bend police say they saw a vehicle moving erratically. Police say they followed the car for 11 blocks before Davis Jr. stopped.
Davis' father, Henry Davis Sr., was following in a car behind his son. Police say Davis Sr. was tailgating them during the pursuit. Police also told FOX28 News that Davis Sr. made "rude and derogatory remarks" towards the police.
Davis Sr. was arrested on a charge of reckless driving. He bonded out of jail Monday night.
Davis Jr. was cited for failing to stop for an emergency vehicle and having no light on his license plate.
"The traffic incident that happened Monday night involving Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. and his father is unfortunate, and it is an unwelcome distraction at a time when elected leaders are hard at work on major issues," said Mike Schmuhl, Chief of Staff for Mayor Pete Buttigieg, in a statement Tuesday afternoon. " To our knowledge, the officers of the South Bend Police Department acted with professionalism and followed proper police procedures. The details of these cases will be reviewed and handled by the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office. Everyone, including elected officials, should respect the law, and everyone must be treated fairly and equally."
Tuesday evening the community gathered at the WUBS radio station in the west side of South Bend.
They talked about a number of things, but obviously couldn't ignore Davis's run-in with police.
"We have to let then know, if you mess with one of us, you mess with us all," says Reverend Cory Gathright.
Community members, convinced Henry Davis Jr. was unjustly pulled over.
"Anytime we allow our leaders to be attacked, and we do nothing about it, then our entire existence is in jeopardy," says Reverend Dannell Brown.
Davis said this to the community, "We've got legal counsel at this time and we're going to let the law work its magic. We're fine, but we all know what took place. We're clear on that. I'm sure, we're clear on that."
Henry Davis Jr.
Henry Davis Sr. (Courtesy St. Joseph County Police)
