A Delaware woman was arrested after she allegedly slapped a police officer in the chest when he told her to lower her voice as she was arguing with her mother.
Noni Cottingham, 44, of Rehoboth Beach is charged with offensive touching of a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest. On Saturday around 2:40 a.m., Rehoboth Beach Police responded to the 200 block of Rehoboth Avenue where several Delaware State Police units were already with Cottingham. Investigators say Cottingham was intoxicated at the time and police were trying to get her home safely.
Troopers made arrangements for Cottingham’s mother to pick her up. When she arrived however Cottingham refused to leave with her and the two women began to argue, police said.
As the argument continued and Cottingham became louder, an officer approached her and told her to lower her voice, according to officials. Cottingham allegedly slapped the officer in the chest with two open hands and told him that he needed to “shut up.” Officers then told Cottingham she was under arrest, officials said. As they tried to take her into custody she allegedly pulled away and struggled.
The officers finally restrained Cottingham against a vehicle and placed her into handcuffs. Investigators say Cottingham’s mouth struck the vehicle as officers restrained her and she suffered a small laceration on her lip. No officers were injured during the incident.
Cottingham was arraigned and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution.
