Fort Pierce Police Chief Diane Hobley-Burney Wednesday denied claims of intimidation and harassment made by a local businessman against her department.
Hobley-Burney says the allegations made by Rick Reed are a "figment of his imagination."
Reed claimed someone was trying to create a situation at City Hall at a recent commission meeting so he could be detained. The chief said she responded to a request that two people were being harassed by Reed.
“People have to understand that yes I am the chief of police but the badge, I honor this badge. I am a police officer so I went to take care of the citizens in distress," said Hobley-Burney,
A police report was filed in connection with the incident. Reed has clashed with the chief before. He filed a complaint last year that ultimately led to the chief's suspension for five days.
Reed and his attorney said Tuesday that they will sue the chief and several other city employees in federal court next month.