By Billy Davis

Crenshaw Mayor Oscar Barlow said town government is standing behind its police chief, who is facing a court date for public drunk.

Barlow said Monday he and town aldermen will “weather the storm” as Chief Phillip Williams, 24, awaits the court date in Calhoun County.

The mayor, relaying details of the Feb. 20 incident, said Williams was riding in an automobile when a relative, during an argument, told him to get out.

The police chief was standing on the roadside when deputies arrived, according to Barlow.

“They had been drinking. But it got blown out of proportion,” the mayor said. “He was not behind the wheel. He was standing on the side of the road.”  

A TV news station, quoting Calhoun authorities, said Phillips was arrested around 2:45 a.m. and posted a cash bond.

Barlow said Williams was serving as a patrolman in Crenshaw when he was hired as interim chief. He was named police chief in January.  

“Phillip has done a wonderful job as police chief,” said Barlow. “We will continue to ride the storm with him.”

Barlow said he is unsure of the court date for Williams.