Grand Chute police are recommending a criminal charge against the woman who disrupted a rally for GOP Presidential candidate Mitt Romney last Friday and then spit in another woman’s face.
Chief Greg Peterson says they made the decision after talking to several witnesses at the event. He says investigators made their final interview this morning when they spoke with the rally planners. Based on the evidence, including a video of the event, Peterson says they are sending a referral to the Outagamie County District Attorney’s office that the woman be charged with disorderly conduct.
AUDIO: Chief Greg Peterson (:14)
The incident occurred at a private business, where several women supporting Romney’s candidacy had gathered as part of a regional tour. During the event, 81-year-old Mary Hoglund of Appleton interrupted remarks being made by state Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills), prompting another person in the audience to begin yelling at her to “zip it.”
In a video, Hoglund can be seen reacting by spitting in the other woman’s face, who then fights back before Hoglund was removed from the room. Hoglund suffered some small scratches on her neck, but Peterson says the retaliation did not rise to the level of criminal activity. He says it was considered, but they ultimately only made a decision to refer Hoglund for charges in the altercation.
The district attorney’s office will make the final decision on whether to file any charges against Hoglund.
Rick Schuh, WHBY