Municipal court judge throws out complaint against Natchez fire chief

NATCHEZ — Natchez Municipal Court Judge Christina Daugherty ruled Wednesday there was no reason to issue an arrest warrant for Natchez Fire Chief Robert Arrington, who was accused by a former Natchez police officer of threatening him.

Lee Ford, who is also an official with the Natchez Chapter of the NAACP and a well-known foe of Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson and his administration, said he was approached by Arrington following the public portion of the July 9 meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. Ford claimed Arrington was angry, had his fists clenched, and threatened him using profanity. Ford testified this morning in Municipal Court that Arrington was “totally out of control” and that he was “scared to death” and feared for his life.

Upon cross-examination, Natchez Attorney Shamica Collins, who represented Arrington, asked Ford what started the situation. Ford testified he reposted on Facebook a photo taken more than two years ago of Arrington, former Natchez Police Chief Joseph Daughtry, and Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson. Ford’s repost of that photo included comments that the photo was “emasculating” and called Arrington and Daughtry “coonish.”

Ford made that post less than two weeks before the July 9 meeting. Arrington’s wife responded to Ford’s post, asking him in so many words not to post about her husband again. In response to Mrs. Arrington’s post on social media, Ford, in part, said Arrington should not respond to the post; rather, her husband should talk to him directly.

A video of the incident, recorded on Facebook Live by Ward 4 Alderwoman Felicia Bridgewater-Irving, who typically records aldermen meetings, captured the incident. It was played in court several times on Wednesday morning. Collins effectively used the video, starting and stopping it at several points, to disprove Ford’s claims.

After hearing testimony and viewing the video, Daugherty ruled Ford’s claims were unfounded. “It looks like Mr. Ford is inciting” the situation. She said the video showed Ford stepping toward Arrington aggressively and that the video did not show Arrington with clenched fists at any point.

“There is no probable cause and no arrest warrant to issue,” Daugherty said.

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