Simple Assault, Harassment Charges Filed Against Delco Mayor

DARBY BOROUGH, PA — The mayor of a Delaware County borough is facing charges related to an attack on a fellow local politician.

Darren Burrell, 41, of Darby, has been charged with simple assault, harassment, and recklessly endangering another person.

Burrell turned himself in to police Tuesday, court records show.

The charges stem from a Nov. 2 incident after a borough meeting.

Burrell is accused of attacking Councilmember Omar Thompson.

According to Action News, the incident started during a heated discussion regarding traffic and vehicle issues.

Authorities allege Burrell after the meeting went to speak with Thompson and that's when Burrell struck Thompson, knocking him to the ground, Fox 29 reports.

Darby Borough Council President Rudy Taylor released a statement on the incident.

Read the full statement below:

Mayor Burrell's arrest after an alleged physical incident involving one of our colleagues earlier this month is a dark day in Darby's history.

I want to make it clear and unequivocal: There is no excuse for violence in this body or in public life. The men and women who sit on this podium sometimes engage in vigorous debate about contentious issues. But we must always remain civil. It is what the people who elected us deserve and expect.

I have directed Borough staff to fully cooperate with the Delaware County District Attorney's Office and we must now let the criminal justice process take its course. While it does, it would be inappropriate for me to offer any other comment on the matter.

The Borough Charter Rules according to a Pennsylvania State website's Borough Mayor's Manual does not require a Mayor charged with a crime to step down.

If Burrell is convicted, he will be removed from office as part of the sentence, per the state constitution.

Burrell was released on $35,000 unsecured bail and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Dec. 7.