Marion Barry Arrested On Stalking Charge

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- DC Councilman Marion Barry has been charged with stalking a city woman who joined him for a Fourth of July lunch only hours before those charges were filed by U.S. Park Police.

The woman, Donna Watts of Southeast Washington, and Barry have been friends for years. She has volunteered in at least one of his political campaigns, and is described by a Barry spokeswoman as Barry's "close friend."

"One of our officers was on patrol in Anacostia Park near Anacostia Drive and Good Hope Road was flagged down by a woman in a car. This woman stated that somebody in another car was harassing and stalking her. This officer got both of the vehicles stopped and he interviewed the woman that was the original complainant in this case, and after interviewing her he interviewed the person in the other car and subsequent to the interviews of both those parties the person that originally was complained about was placed under arrest and after he was placed under arrest it was learned that the arrestee was Mr. Barry from Ward Eight City Council," said U.S. Park Police Sgt. David Slosser.

A Barry spokeswoman said Barry did not meet with reporters on Sunday because he was in church. Natalie Williams, speaking for Barry, said he denies the charges.

"Mr. Barry has, over a period of time, lended his friendship and his support to the accuser, Ms. Donna Watts, through her many stages od instability. He has assisted her in her health challenges, he has assisted her in her search for employment, he has assisted her over a period of time during her financial hardships," Williams said.

"The best word to describe Mr. Barry at this hour is betrayed," she told reporters who had gathered in front of the District Building on Sunday afternoon.

Watts told 9NEWS NOW that she did not flag down a police officer and said that she did not, herself, file charges against Barry. She said Barry had cut her off and was stopped because of that traffic violation.

Told Barry's spokeswoman has described Barry as feeling betrayed, Watts said, "I'm sorry he felt that way and I will respond formally... and there will be tons of evidence to prove him wrong."

Watts says that formal response will come within 48 hours.

Barry is expected to meet with reporters on Monday monrning. His court appearance on the stalking charge is set for Thursday.