Posted: Oct. 29, 2006

REP. JOHN ATKINS ARRESTED IN DOMESTIC INCIDENT

By Celia Cohen
Grapevine Political Writer

State Rep. John C. Atkins, a Millsboro Republican, was arrested for offensive touching in a dispute with his wife Heather after a town police officer went to their home early Sunday morning to check out a 911 hang-up call, according to a press release issued through the House Republican staff.

John and Heather Atkins are scheduled to discuss the incident Monday from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. on WGMD Radio News 92.7 FM, along with John F. Brady, a House Republican attorney who is representing John Atkins and also serves as the Sussex County recorder of deeds.

Atkins, 36, was elected to the state House of Representatives in 2002 and is seeking a third term in a rematch Nov. 7 with Barbara A. Lifflander. Atkins polled 70 percent of the vote against her in 2004 and appeared to be coasting to re-election before the arrest.

Atkins is the vice chair of the House Public Safety Committee and the chair of the Corrections Committee. He runs a trash collection business. He and his wife have three children.

"Even in the best marriages, disagreements occur. However, I'm deeply embarrassed that the argument I had with my wife rose to the point where the police became involved. I love my family. Heather and I plan to take whatever steps are necessary to make our marriage stronger," Atkins said in the press release.

Here is an account of the incident, according to the press release:

"State Rep. John C. Atkins said he deeply regrets that a family disagreement has risen to the level where it requires public disclosure.

"Rep. Atkins and his wife Heather became involved  in an argument in the early morning hours of Sunday, Oct. 29. Worried that the heated argument might spin out of control, Rep. Atkins dialed 911 with the idea that a police officer could mediate and calm the situation. But after dialing, Rep. Atkins said he had second thoughts about calling an emergency number for a non-emergency situation.

"As a matter of policy, police officers are sent to investigate all 911 calls, even those that hang up before speaking to a dispatcher. Millsboro Police Sgt. Shawn Davis responded to the call and arrived at the Atkins' home at 3:14 a.m.

"After speaking to John and Heather Atkins, Sgt. Davis decided to charge and process Rep. Atkins because he had grabbed his wife's arm during the argument. The charge of 'offensive touching' was lodged over Heather Atkins' objections."

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