Fracas Disrupts S. Pasadena Council Debate on Police

A debate at a South Pasadena City Council meeting over police conduct turned ugly when an elderly resident was arrested for allegedly threatening the police association’s attorney and kicking another woman he apparently mistook for the attorney, authorities said Thursday.

James H. Hulse, 68, was placed under citizen’s arrest on suspicion of assault, battery and disturbing a public meeting shortly after the fracas at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Lt. Richard Kowaltschuk said.

Hulse, who could not be reached for comment, was released on his own recognizance at 1 a.m. Thursday.

“Frankly, I thought the meeting was going pretty well up to that point,” Councilman James C. Hodge Jr. said. “We just got a few people here taking the low road.”

The hubbub occurred as Sylvia E. Kellison, attorney for the South Pasadena Police Officers Assn., was criticizing the council for hiring a private investigator to look into allegations of police misconduct while officers broke up a drinking party last month.

Arrested for disturbing the peace, but not charged, in that incident were John Bernardi Jr., 22, son of the city manager; Bryan Lee Prentiss, 22, son of the former mayor; Thomas D. Ramos, 20, son of the former Chamber of Commerce president, and Scott D. Josephson, 21.

Bernardi has filed a citizen’s complaint alleging that police used a heavy hand in breaking up the Sept. 14 party on Stratford Avenue.

Kellison, calling the young men a bunch of “spoiled brats,” said that by hiring a private investigator, the city was seeking “special privileges for special children.”

Hulse took exception to her remarks.