Oceanside Case Closed in Rift Between Councilman, Officer

Oceanside City Councilman Ben Ramsey has been cleared of any wrongdoing for allegedly trying to intimidate a code enforcement officer while she issued a citation last month to an acquaintance of the councilman.

In a statement issued Wednesday, City Manager Suzanne Foucault said a “thorough review” of the incident revealed “The entire situation was the result of misunderstanding and miscommunication.”

According to Foucault, Ramsey became “unwittingly involved” in an argument between the officer and Chuck Martin, owner of a downtown auto dealership.

The incident flared when the officer attempted to issue a ticket to Martin for an infraction of the Municipal Code because he had parked a car on the sidewalk in front of his business.

Martin called Ramsey, who until shortly after his election to the council in November was employed by an auto auction firm in Oceanside, for assistance.

Ramsey and the officer became embroiled in a verbal exchange, in which the councilman allegedly told the woman he was her boss and that she should do what he said. In addition, Ramsey reportedly waived his council identification card.

The officer responded by calling in backup assistance from the Oceanside Police Department. A police officer soon arrived and broke up the confrontation.

“All parties involved regret the incident,” Foucault said, noting that it is “not unusual that council members respond personally to deal with a complaint when called by a citizen.”

Foucault said the matter is now closed and no further action will be taken against any of the city employees or Ramsey, who could not be reached for comment.