Arroyo Grande city councilman arrested 

Arroyo Grande City Councilman Edward Arnold, Jr. was arrested late Dec. 15 and charged with burglary, domestic violence, and assault with a deadly weapon, police say.

Arroyo Grande police responded to a domestic violence call late on the evening of Dec. 15 in the 800 block of Turquoise Drive, where Arnold allegedly hit a 28-year-old woman in the head with an unidentified object. The victim suffered lacerations and contusions to her head and was transported to the hospital, police said. She identified the vehicle her attacker drove and the police soon found Arnold in a truck that matched the description. An arrest report said he was dressed in entirely black clothes. He was later released on $50,000 bail.

“I think I can speak for the entire council,” said Mayor Tony Ferrara at a press conference. “We’re shocked. This is truly devastating news.”

Ferrara said he spoke to Arnold after his release and said Arnold did not know whether he would resign from the city council.

Arroyo Grande Police Chief Steven N. Annibali said he believes Arnold is married and that the victim is not his wife. He said Arnold had a personal relationship with the woman.