An internal affairs investigation has begun in the wake of an incident at a fundraiser in Encinitas for congressional candidate Francine Busby.
An Encinitas station-based deputy responded to a noise complaint at a residence on Rubenstein Avenue in Cardiff, where the party was held Friday night, reported the North County Times. Two people, including hostess Shari Barman, 60, were cited for obstruction. Barman also was cited with misdemeanor assault.
Several people, including Barman, were pepper-sprayed by Deputy Marshall Abbott as they tried to stop Barman's arrest, according to sheriff's reports. Barman was arrested after she allegedly punched a deputy.
"An ... investigation has been initiated into the use of pepper spray at the private home," sheriff's department spokeswoman Jan Caldwell said Monday.
Caldwell rebuffed queries about specifics regarding allegations made by party-goers and said that the probe would take time to complete. She did say, however, that Undersheriff Bill Gore has spoken with Busby and other community leaders, and informed them of the investigation.
"The only proper way to ascertain exactly what happened is to initiate an internal affairs investigation," Gore said in a written statement.
Busby, understandably, wishes the whole thing had never happened.
"I'm sorry that this occurred," Busby said. "I think it could have been avoided. We just want to make sure it doesn't happen again."
This is the fourth time Busby is making a play for the seat. She was defeated in 2004 by Randy "Duke" Cunningham, who left office in disgrace and was sentenced to prison on corruption charges. She then faced off twice in 2006 against Bilbray -- once in a special election to replace Cunningham, then again five months later in the general election.
In 2008, Bilbray was re-elected, handing Nick Leibham a defeat at the polls.
