Independence council to ask mayor to resign

INDEPENDENCE — Following the arrest of the mayor, the town council of Independence is expected to ask the mayor to resign.

Earlier this week, Mayor Michael Ragusa turned himself in on public intimidation and other counts involving an incident with an Independence police officer.

He was released on his own recognizance on simple battery of a police officer, resisting arrest and public intimidation charges.

Ragusa said he is innocent.

The incident began when an officer made a traffic stop involving the mayor’s son at the mayor’s private business, authorities said.

Alderman Calvin Batiste said the council has called for a special meeting Monday morning.