Ronnie Washington, third-year Commerce student and Student Council executive vice president, was arrested on assault and battery charges following an alleged dispute at Jones Wrecker, 420 West Main St., Thursday afternoon.
Washington's arrest followed shortly after the dispute, which took place at approximately 5 p.m.
Washington's car had been towed to Jones Wrecker when a scuffle with the Jones' employee ensued, allegedly resulting in Washington striking the employee, Charlottesville Police Sgt. Ron Willis said.
Washington declined to comment.
There were no visible injuries on the victim, Willis said.
The police had extremely minimal involvement in the incident, Charlottesville Police Sgt. Cheryl Smith said.
The incident was not serious and there were no witnesses present at the dispute, Smith said.
The victim sought out the warrant for Washington's arrest on his own from the Charlottesville magistrate, rather than having the police file charges, she said.
Brock Jolly, Council vice president for administration, said he supports Washington.
Jolly said he has "100 percent faith in Ronnie. He told me what happened and I believe him." He said he believes Washington's version of events.
"The charge will probably not hold up in court," he added.
Asst. Dean of Students Aaron Laushway said the Dean of Students Office always supports students in situations involving arrest as long as officials are aware of the incident.
"It depends upon what is happening with the student," Laushway said. "We get involved when we're notified."
According to University Judiciary Committee Standards of Conduct, Washington could not be brought up on judiciary charges because the crime did not occur on University-owned property or in the home of a student, faculty member or employee, and the victim was not a member of the University community.
Washington could face up to a year in jail if convicted of the charges. No court dates have been set.
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