A Parkersburg city councilmember has been arrested after allegedly getting into a physical fight with another man after the council meeting on Monday, according to KWWL. 58 year old Jim Bellows has been charged with Assault and Interference With Official Acts. Bellows allegedly chased the man down and punched him several times before the two men fought on the ground. Multiple people had to intervene to break up the fight. During the altercation Bellows’ drink tumbler fell to ground and opened. Witnesses reported the contents smelled of alcohol. Several people believed Bellows to be drunk during the meeting prior to the fight. Bellows’ family has contested the facts of the case, saying that the man made disparaging comments about Bellows’ business and his deceased son leading to the fight and that two men pinned Bellows down and repeatedly kicked and punched him. They also say he has medical issues which would prevent him from beating anyone up.
