Chicago alderman arrested for domestic abuse

You can't keep a bad man up.

From ABC Chicago:

Alderman Ricardo Munoz has been arrested in connection with a domestic violence incident, Chicago police said.

The alleged incident occurred at his home in the 3000-block of South Lawndale on New Year's Eve. Police said Munoz got into a verbal argument with his wife and it escalated and became physical.

His wife told police the alderman pushed and struck her throughout her body. Police said Munoz left the home after his wife called police.

Munoz was taken into custody Wednesday at his 22nd Ward office in the 2500-block of South St. Louis Avenue in the Little Village neighborhood.

WTTW, the local PBS affiliate, says at least as of early this morning, Munoz is being held, that is, being jailed, at the 10th District police lockup. But he has a court hearing shortly, so he could be out now.

More from NBC Chicago:

This is not Munoz's first brush with the law. He has publicly spoken about his arrest as a teenager on drug and gun charges, which were later expunged. Now sober, Munoz has also opened up about his addiction to alcohol.

UPDATE 12:30pm CST from ABC Chicago:

Alderman Ricardo Munoz, who is facing allegations that he hit his wife, entered a not guilty plea Thursday morning as a judge decided whether he would be released on bond.

The alderman, who represents the 22nd Ward, and his wife were both in court, along with other family members.

The judge granted a non-contact order in the case, meaning Munoz cannot call, text or see his wife - or their dog - until further notice.