Ashford councilman-elect arrested after scuffle with officer

A man scheduled to be sworn in next week as a city councilman in southeast Alabama was taken into custody after authorities say he became combative with an Ashford officer who was attempting to arrest him on outstanding warrants.

The Dothan Eagle reports that 30-year-old John V. Whitehurst was booked Wednesday afternoon following a scuffle with Ashford Assistant Police Chief Clint Williams.

Ashford Mayor Jonathan Grecu says Williams was trying to arrest Whitehurst at City Hall for a 2009 charge of issuing worthless checks as well as for a charge that he did not appear in court to answer to a 2009 citation for driving while his license was revoked.

Grecu says Whitehurst fought with Williams, who had to call for backup. It’s unclear whether Whitehurst has an attorney.