The town of Arnaudville is being sued for an arrest, and the police chief is upset about the situation, and the officer who made the arrest.

Sandra Higginbotham was arrested back in August 2006 for criminal damage to property by then Arnaudville Police Officer Robert Primeaux. She's now suing the town, police Chief Richard Mizzi and Mayor Cathy Richard.

"It was more of a domestic situation. Officer got warrant after talking to complainant" says Chief Mizzi

Chief Mizzi says Higginbotham tried to pry open a door to her boyfriend's house, where according to the arrest report, she lived as well.

"Once Arnaudville Police got a warrant for Higginbotham, she was picked up by the St. Martin Sheriff Department, being she lives in nearby St. Martin Parish."

The way officer Primeaux handled the situation, is not what chief Mizzi would have suggested.

Reporter: "What would you have advised the officer many to do that day?"

Mizzi: "Make basic report and not make arrest because there's not enough probable cause to secure a warrant."

Chief Mizzi says because of this arrest, and other situations, he planned on firing officer Primeaux, but Primeaux resigned before it came to that.

While denying an on-camera interview, Arnaudville's town attorney did issue a statement that backs officer Primeaux's actions in the arrest.

It reads quote: "the town and its officer had probable cause to arrest pursuant to a valid warrant and have no liability to the plaintiffs."

But Chief Mizzi says officers normally check with him before executing warrants. With him at training that day, he wasn't notified until too late.

"I like to do it on a professional basis, I like to check my reports and have officers confided with me. This officer went ahead and did it without my permission, without telling me anything. All said and done when I got back."

The parties have a court date set for early November.

Robert Burns