Disturbance after Decatur City Council work session results in six arrests

DECATUR – A disturbance following Monday’s Decatur City Council work session resulted in the arrests of six people on charges including disorderly conduct, trespassing and resisting arrest.

In a news release, Decatur Police Department said officers responded to a disturbance at the City Council chambers shortly after the conclusion of the work session.

The release said the meeting was adjourned early “due to repeated outbursts from several attendees.” Some of those in attendance began to leave the chambers “but continued to cause alarm in a disruptive manner.”

After police arrived, several individuals were instructed to leave the premises but subsequently returned toward the chambers, including William Landers, Terrance Adkins, and Alvin Moseley, the release said.

“An altercation occurred when Landers began loudly confronting officers and was taken into custody on charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest” the release said.

“Following events that took place during this past Monday night’s Council meeting, it remains our primary responsibility to ensure safety and comfort inside City Hall,” Mayor Tab Bowling said in a statement. “Actions and behaviors demonstrated by several attendees violated law and order and jeopardized the safety of those in attendance, including small children present.

“As such, several arrests have been made along with trespass warnings for the building.”

After an investigation, warrants were obtained for:

• Terrance Adkins – Resisting Arrest; Trespassing
• Billy Bruce Kennedy – Disorderly Conduct
• William Landers – Trespassing (in addition to the earlier Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest charges)
• Alvin Moseley – Disorderly Conduct; Trespassing
• Derrick Taylor – Loitering
• Sierra Taylor – Disorderly Conduct

Police said the six people turned themselves in Thursday at the Morgan County Jail.

“As mayor, I will ensure all attendees and visitors to City Hall are provided with a safe environment,” Bowling said. “Any criminal conduct that violates laws and ordinances will not be tolerated.

“We encourage public participation in city business and want to bolster the community’s confidence in the city of Decatur’s leadership and public service.”