Cleveland Police Department on Saturday, Aug. 3, around 4 a.m., responded to a call concerning a physical disturbance at 604 Shell Avenue in Cleveland. The call led officers to an alleged altercation involving Reashelle Williams, 54, of Conroe, who alleged that she had a distressing encounter with her boyfriend, Rodney Harrison, a former mayoral candidate for the city of Cleveland, at his residence.
According to Williams, the incident began in the early hours when she was unexpectedly awakened by Harrison, who allegedly made unwanted sexual advances toward her. Williams reported that she did not welcome this attention, prompting Harrison to become irate.
According to Capt. Scott Felts, a spokesperson for Cleveland PD, Williams also told police that Harrison’s anger reportedly escalated, and he used profanity while insisting that she gather her belongings and leave his home immediately.
Williams reportedly informed the officers that she had told Harrison his demands were unreasonable, especially given the early hour. She had expressed her intention to leave once daylight arrived, but Harrison allegedly persisted in his insistence that she vacate the premises. This situation allegedly escalated into a physical altercation, during which Williams claimed Harrison began to kick and throw her clothing around the house.
According to Felts, Williams recounted that she protested against Harrison’s actions, arguing that he had no right to handle her belongings in such a manner. In response, Harrison allegedly asserted that since it was his house, he could do as he pleased. The confrontation reportedly turned physical when Harrison allegedly bearhugged Williams, forcibly pushing her toward a sofa. He allegedly placed his forearm and hand on her neck, impeding her airway and restricting her breathing. In the struggle, Williams attempted to call 911, but Harrison allegedly seized her phone and threw it outside into the front yard.
Harrison told police that he had no intention of choking Williams despite her claim. He claimed that his actions were solely motivated by his desire for her to leave his residence. However, he allegedly admitted to placing her phone outside, an action that aligned with Williams’ account.
Upon the arrival of law enforcement, officers reportedly observed marks on Williams’ chest that were consistent with her account, indicating signs of injury. These observations aligned with her description of the physical confrontation.
Consequently, Harrison arrested and charged with Assault/Family Violence-Impeding Breath and Interference with an Emergency Request for Assistance. The assault charge is a third-degree felony and the Interference charge is a Class A misdemeanor.
His bonds were set at a total of $25,000.