More detail on Bill Bender's scoop about fisticuffs at a Delco polling place earlier today...
Stephen Smith, a high school teacher and Democratic leader in Upper Darby’s 4th District, is known as a mild-mannered guy.
But he’s sitting in a jail cell right now, waiting to be arraigned on assault and harassment charges for allegedly beating up a 62-year-old township councilman this morning at a Delaware County polling place.
Police say Smith, 37, became upset at the placement of political signs and punched Republican Jack Shingle with a closed fist -- then used a "leg sweep maneuver" to take Shingle down.
Smith landed a couple more punches, witnesses told police, before bystanders intervened. Shingle was treated at a local hospital and released.
Democrats say Upper Darby cops are spinning the case to make Smith look bad. Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood Sr., a potential Republican congressional candidate, has expressed his support for the all-Republican township council.
"Gimme a break. It is what it is," Chitwood said of Smith's arrest. "That’s absolutely ridiculous."
Democrats say Smith has not been allowed to speak to his lawyer. His hearing is tentatively scheduled for 5 p.m.
Comments (1)
A possible YouTube moment? It worked for the Streets I hear.
Posted by Mark Chalupa | November 6, 2007 8:30 PM