East Haven mayor surrenders to police

East Haven (WTNH) - News of East Haven Mayor April Capone Almon's arrest brought mixed reaction.

"It's really kind of disturbing actually," Abby Sawicki, of East Haven, said. "Arrested? I hate to laugh but..."

The 34-year-old first-term Democrat turned herself in at the town police department and was booked on one count of interfering with an officer.

When she was released, she spoke to reporters saying that she plans to enter a plea of not guilty.

"Obviously I am very disapoointed in what happened today, that it has gone this far," Almon said.

The arrest stems from a July 19 incident when the mayor clashed with Officer Michael Sorbo over the towing of cars at the town beach.

The officer ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for town council, the mayor ran as a Democrat.

In his official report, Officer Sorbo says the cars were blocking an exit and the mayor yelled at him ordering him to stop the towing.

At some point the mayor called dispatch. News Channel 8 has obtained a recording of the exchange.

Mayor April Capone Almon: "Well, now I will tell you and I will have this talk with the chief, but I have f**king had it with Officer Sorbo playing cute down here at the beach. I've had it."

A member of the mayor's staff, Erica Berg, was with her that day. Berg has also been charged and was among the supporters today.

"I do believe at all times I was acting in my authority and in the best interests of the people of East Haven," Almon said.

The arrest occurs just two months before the election and the chairman of the Republican Town Committee, Carl Ruggiero, says it just adds to his written request that the mayor apologize for her actions.

"I believe she should apologize to the people of East Haven," Ruggiero said.

Mayor Capone Almon has hired well-known New Haven criminal defense attorney Willie Dow.

Dow said the town charter gives her the authority to take these actions and predicts she will be cleared.