Woman Slaps Police Officer After Argument

A woman from Rehoboth Beach is facing charges including “Offensive Touching of a Law Enforcement Officer” after slapping a police officer early Saturday morning.

Around 2:40 a.m., Rehoboth Beach Police responded to the 200 block of Rehoboth Avenue where multiple Delaware State Police units were on scene attempting to care for Noni A. Cottingham, 44, of Rehoboth Beach.

State Police say they had previously contacted Cottingham outside of Rehoboth Beach city limits and due to her level of intoxication were attempting to get her home safely. Troopers made arrangements to deliver Cottingham to her mother, who was in a vehicle on Rehoboth Avenue. When they arrived, authorities say Cottingham began arguing with her mother and refused to leave with her. As she argued, Cottingham became loud and agitated causing police to receive an additional complaint from a caller who reported a fight in the area. A Rehoboth Beach Police Officer attempted to speak to Cottingham and advised her to lower her voice, but Cottingham responded by slapping the officer in the chest with two open hands and telling the officer that he needed to shut up.

When Cottingham was advised that she was under arrest, police say she pulled away and struggled. Officers were able to restrain Cottingham against a vehicle and place her into handcuffs. As officers were attempting to gain control of Cottingham’s wrist, her mouth struck the vehicle causing a small laceration to her lip.

Cottingham was arrested and charged with 3 misdemeanor charges to include; 1 count of offensive touching of a law enforcement officer, 1 count of resisting arrest, and 1 count of disorderly conduct. Cottingham was arraigned out of the Justice of the Peace Court 3, issued a $2500.00 secured cash bail, and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution.