Independence Mayor Arrested Following Bar Fight

By Hayley Bruce, Reporter

Independence Mayor Carl Scharff arrested following bar fight on Friday November 16, 2012.

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By Belinda Yeung

Story Created: Nov 19, 2012 at 2:41 PM CDT

Story Updated: Nov 19, 2012 at 2:47 PM CDT

INDEPENDENCE, Iowa — Independence Mayor Carl Scharff is accused of interference with official acts, harassment of a public official and public intoxication after police say he hindered a police investigation into a bar fight over the weekend.

A press release from the Independence police department said officers responded to a medical call at the Majestic Tavern, 300 First Street East, on Friday at 10:44 p.m. following a fight. The release said the injured person refused medical treatment.

Police said Scharff, 62, refused to follow instructions and hindered a police investigation into the assault at the bar, which resulted in his arrest. It is unclear whether Scharff was involved in the fight, and police said the incident remains under investigation. He was released following an initial appearance.

Norbert Heinen, 55, of Independence was arrested for third-offense public intoxication and Kim Webb-Heinen, 41, was arrested for second-offense public intoxication in connection with the incident. Both remain in custody pending a court appearance. The Buchanan County Sheriff's department assisted with the incident.

Scharff's term as mayor expires at the end of next year.

He could not immediately be reached for comment Monday morning.