Fort Valley councilwoman arrested after altercation at city hall, police say

A Fort Valley city councilwoman was arrested after an altercation at a council work session escalated into physical contact and threats, according to a police report from the Fort Valley Police Department.

FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Fort Valley city councilwoman was arrested after an altercation at a council work session escalated into physical contact and threats, according to a police report from the Fort Valley Police Department.

According to the report, obtained Monday by 41NBC, the incident happened just after 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 13 inside Fort Valley City Hall. The report says 74-year-old councilwoman Juanita Bryant and 56-year-old councilwoman Laronda Eason were involved in a dispute that led to Bryant’s arrest on charges of simple battery and terroristic threats and acts.

Capt. Derrick Dunson of the Fort Valley Police Department wrote in the report that he was working at the meeting when he heard a disturbance inside the chamber. When he entered, he saw Bryant “visibly upset” and arguing with Eason. Bryant told Dunson that Eason had bumped her in the back.

Dunson tried to separate the two, leading Bryant outside the chamber. However, she continued directing threats at Eason. Dunson reported hearing Bryant say, “Let’s go outside so I can kick your a**.” After being warned not to say that, Bryant repeated the threat, the report states.

Eason later told police she had been speaking with the police chief near the rear of the chamber when Bryant struck her in the back. She said she responded by saying, “Excuse you,” and that Bryant began cursing and said, “We can take it outside.” Eason then said, “I’m a preacher, not a punk,” according to the report.

Eason reported experiencing slight pain in her right shoulder and left the scene to seek medical attention. Officers took photographs of her shoulders, arms and neck as part of the investigation.

Police Chief DJ Flores, who was present at the time, told Dunson that he saw Bryant make physical contact with Eason and heard her make threats.

The Fort Valley Police Department has not released additional details at this time.