Councilman Arrested Again

Pasadena City Councilman Isaac Richard has been arrested for investigation of disrupting a council meeting, the latest in a number of confrontations that have resulted in misdemeanor charges and three censures.

Police Chief Jerry Oliver arrested and handcuffed Richard on Monday night after the councilman allegedly disrupted a confidential personnel session. He was released two hours later on $250 bail.

Richard had asked that an officer, usually the chief, be present at all times during council meetings because Councilman William M. Paparian has a permit to carry a concealed weapon.

Richard has said he fears for his safety because he and Paparian have had verbal confrontations in the council’s chambers. Paparian has said he never carries a gun at City Hall and Richard’s assertions are meant to get back at him.

The latest censure of Richard came earlier this month after an angry exchange in which he tried to protest that Paparian is permitted to carry a concealed weapon. The council had censured Richard twice before for cursing and threatening city officials.

Richard is scheduled for trial Dec. 14 in Los Angeles Municipal Court on five misdemeanor charges stemming from a September traffic accident.

After his car was hit by a bus, he was charged with two counts of giving false information to a police officer, reckless driving, throwing an object at a vehicle and driving on a suspended license, authorities said.